Academic Year Associates
Yale Ventures requires that PhD students serving in any of our graduate programs have the express permission of their advisors to work with us (this request does not apply to MD, MBA, or MPH students).
Postdocs and ARS compensation is governed separately by the terms of their employment with Yale.
Once you go through the interview process, if you are accepted into the Yale Ventures Associates program, you must
- get approval from your advisor, and;
- follow these instructions and receive confirmation that you are indeed able to receive compensation through the Postdoctoral Affairs Office.
If you cannot obtain this approval, you cannot participate in the program. Please note that some postdocs/ARS in the past were not able to receive compensation, so please be aware that
- You need to reach out to the appropriate office to find out if this is an avenue you can pursue or
- Know that this is a risk you are taking (that you will be ineligible to participate).
Postdocs and ARS must follow the following steps to ensure compliance with Yale's policies:
Business Office Approval:
Please contact your business office to determine if extra compensation is allowable from their funding source. If you are ARS, complete (Section II. – Exception Request for Extra Compensation) of this form to request Provostial Office Approval.
Alternatively, if additional compensation is not permissible, you may need to reduce your research effort to accommodate this role.
Visa Holders
If you are a visa holder, you are not able to participate. Please let us know if this is the case so that we can extend an offer to another candidate.
Faculty Confirmation
Reach out to your faculty advisor to confirm that participating in this role and receiving additional compensation is acceptable.
Once you have completed these steps and obtained the necessary approvals, we will seek permission from the Postdoctoral Affairs Office to pay you. You will describe your duties and responsibilities as follows:
Project Work: Engaging in projects ranging from research and strategy to financial modeling, technology marketing, and market sizing for new ventures.
Collaboration
Working closely with Yale faculty, industry experts, and Yale Ventures staff on these projects.
Time Commitment
The expected effort is approximately 4-5 hours per week (totaling 40 hours per semester).
Strategy Roles
These roles are specifically for Yale graduate and professional school students to provide strategy and leadership assistance in the area of business planning, financial modeling, competitive assessments, and market sizing. Pay is hourly through the Yale Student Employment System.
- PhD/MD Students: Applications will open June 1, 2025. Interviews will take place July 8 - 10, 2025.
MBA/MPH/MA Students: Applications will open August 11. Interviews will take place first week of September.
Operational Roles
We welcome all students, including Yale College students, as well as graduate and professional students to apply for these project-based roles working across Yale Ventures' teams. Pay is hourly and are 5-10 hours per week.
- All students are welcome to apply.
Academic Year 2025 - 2026
Yale Ventures is currently recruiting Yale graduate and professional school students for several roles to provide strategy and leadership assistance in business planning, financial modeling, competitive assessments, and market sizing. Those selected for one of these highly competitive roles will receive unparalleled access to Yale innovators and top-tier mentors in the industry.
Criteria: PhD and MD students in the life sciences and physical sciences. *Approval from Advisor will be required
Commitment: Each opportunity is 4-5 hours per week, with work starting September 2025 through May 2026.
Compensation: $17.50/hour
Applications: Deadline to apply is June 25 with interviews being held July 8-10.
Contact: Min Kim: min.j.kim@yale.edu
Open Roles:
Academic Year 2025-2026
We have several opportunities for all Yale students to provide operational assistance across Yale Ventures' projects, working closely with our teams.
Commitment: Each opportunity is up to 10 hours per week, with work starting September through May.
Compensation: For academic year positions, pay is $17.50
Contact: Amy.Kundrat@yale.edu
Blavatnik Associates are graduate and professional school students at Yale chosen through a competitive application process who will help provide both technical and business insights around faculty innovations being considered for support by the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation. The Blavatnik Fund supports Yale faculty in the commercialization of applied research and technology in the life sciences. Working in close conjunction with Yale Ventures staff, entrepreneurs-in-residence and Blavatnik Fellows, Associates will work in small teams to help identify the most promising projects in healthcare.
Learn more about the Blavatnik Fund for Innovation.
Colton Associates are Yale graduate and professional-school students who will help provide both technical and business insights into faculty's innovations supported by the Colton Center for Autoimmunity at Yale (CCAY). The CCAY supports Yale faculty's translational research and development, as well as commercialization of their technologies in the areas of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Associates will work in small teams to help identify and support such projects. Ideal candidates will possess strong background in science, with additional experience in business and finance being preferable. All associates will have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship and biotechnology venture development working closely with Yale Ventures staff, faculty members and entrepreneurs-in-residence.
Learn more about the Colton Center for Autoimmunity at Yale.
Yale Venture Lab is a new initiative launched by Yale Ventures in 2022 to accelerate Yale faculty ventures which have already established proof-of-concept. Working across six major themes (Therapeutics, Medtech, Digital Healthcare, Data Science, High Tech, and Climate Tech), individual innovators will work with small teams of experts (Yale EIRs) drawn from industry and the investment world to refine their research and explore applications with market potential.
Venture Lab Associates are Yale MBA, MPH, PhD, or MD students who support faculty to advance science validation, conduct market research, engage in early customer development, and substantiate market potential. The Fellow will be well-versed in emerging trends and technologies in the venture capital industry, and have a keen interest in, or background in the six areas of research that we support. Candidates must be extremely organized, possess excellent communication skills, and capable of interacting with a wide range of domain experts. Fellows will gain first-hand exposure to entrepreneurship and venture development, and work closely with world class faculty, executives, start-up founders, and investors.
Learn more about Venture Lab.
Canaan-Yale Fellows are select graduate and professional school students at Yale who work in multidisciplinary teams to provide strategy and leadership around startups in Canaan Partner’s portfolio. Canaan Partners is a $4B global venture capital firm focused on seed and early-stage technology. Students are divided into two multidisciplinary teams to provide strategy and leadership around startups in Canaan’s portfolio. This opportunity is particularly geared to grad students in the biological sciences as well as medical school students with strong backgrounds in the life sciences. Students commit to: participating for one academic year for 40 hours per semester. Students receive: Education and direction for engagement from Canaan as they work with two projects in the fall and two in the spring, as well as a stipend. Students who complete the program will then have the opportunity to explore projects focused on select Yale research.
Learn more about Canaan.
The Roberts Innovation Fund at Yale is a new initiative launched in 2022 to accelerate Yale’s School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) engine of innovation. Thanks to a generous gift from Yale alumnus Will Roberts ’90, the Roberts Innovation Fund will provide funding, mentoring and business training to assist in the commercialization of breakthrough inventions that solve real-world problems. Just as importantly, faculty applicants will receive valuable feedback from the Fund’s director as well as from an external advisory board from industry, all of whom have invested in and/or built technology ventures.
Overseen by the Office of the Dean of SEAS in partnership with Yale Ventures, the Fund will focus on technologies that show promise towards having an impact within the domains of artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, blockchain technology, trustworthy computing, computational modeling, and more.
The Roles
We are seeking highly-motivated, thoughtful, collaborative individuals to be among the first Roberts Innovation Fund Associates in 2022. Roberts Innovation Fund Associates will have an opportunity to work directly with the Yale Ventures team as we source, screen, select, and support faculty and their innovations on the path to commercialization or greatest impact.
Role 1: Roberts Innovation Fund Venture Associate
The Roberts Fund Venture Associate will be well-versed on emerging trends and technologies in the venture capital industry, and have a keen interest in, or background in computer science related endeavors. You will gain first-hand exposure to the process of sourcing, screening, and building a case to ultimately invest in a company.
In this role, you will:
Help to review applications, draft project briefs, and create investor memos to be shared with Yale Ventures Leadership and the Roberts Innovation Fund Advisory Board.
Conduct market research on the competitive landscape and identify trends in the specific area of invention.
Create investor pipelines of funds most likely to be interested in each awardee.
Develop financial projections that support a case for investment.
Be available to meet with the Fund’s Director on a weekly basis.
Role 2: Roberts Innovation Fund Marketing/Design Associate
The Roberts Innovation Fund Marketing/Design Associate will be well-versed on emerging trends and technologies in the venture capital industry, and have a keen interest in, or background in computer science related endeavors. You will gain first-hand exposure to the process of sourcing, screening, and building a case to ultimately invest in a company. As the Marketing/Design Associate you will also have the opportunity to create an immediate impact for viable applicants and awardees by crafting materials that support the growth of each project, leveraging your solid communication, marketing and design skills.
In this role, you will:
Be involved in the application review process
Create well-designed materials that help showcase the potential of each viable proposal and awardee submission, including powerpoint pitch decks, company briefs and investment memos.
Create materials in support of awarded projects such as preliminary website pages, marketing materials and more.
Be available to meet with the Fund’s Director on a weekly basis.
Role 3: Roberts Fund Business Development Associate.
The Roberts Fund Business Development Associate will be well-versed on emerging trends and technologies in the venture capital industry, and have a keen interest in, or background in computer science related endeavors. You will gain first-hand exposure to the process of sourcing, screening, and building a case to ultimately invest in a company. As the Business Development Associate for the Roberts Innovation Fund, you have a unique opportunity to help faculty innovations expand into viable commercial opportunities.
In this role, you will:
Help to source and recruit applications to the program.
Gain deep insight into the application review and selection process.
Conduct market research, and begin customer discovery
Research the larger landscape with an eye towards potential partnerships and other synergistic activities
Be available to meet with the Fund’s Director on a weekly basis.
Learn more about the Roberts Innovation Fund.
The Communications and Marketing Associate for Yale Ventures will develop and produce innovative communication resources for Yale Ventures and the Yale innovation ecosystem. This role supports the Yale Ventures Innovation Community team and supports the efforts of the entire Yale innovation ecosystem, outreach and communication initiatives. The role will be responsible for creating and curating content for Yale Ventures channels (social media including X, Instagram, and LinkedIn as well as website, and newsletters) from Yale Ventures and the broader Yale innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Develop Content: Develop engaging content that highlights the E&I community for the website and social media channels (X, Instagram, LinkedIn). Support the Yale Ventures Innovation Community team with communication and outreach initiatives.
- Content Curation: Review community events calendars across Yale, New Haven, and Connecticut innovation partners and promote on Yale Ventures channels.
- Email marketing: Develop content for weekly and monthly email marketing campaigns
- Social Media: Support Yale Ventures’ presence on social media platforms. Engage with the audience and monitor social media interactions. Develop social media campaigns to promote Yale Ventures and its initiatives.
- Website: Develop and update website content as-needed.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Track and analyze the performance of communication efforts. Provide regular reports on communication and social media metrics.
Job Requirements
- Strong interest in the Yale innovation community;
- Excellent writing, proofreading, and editing skills; attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills and familiarity with digital media platforms and trends;
- Must be a self-starter and independent worker;
- Excellent research, organizational, interpersonal, writing and communication skills.
This role works with the Innovation Community team at Yale Ventures. For questions, please contact amy.kundrat@yale.edu.
The Storytelling Associate will be essential in helping grow Yale innovation storytelling and creative communications initiatives, focusing on writing and reported pieces. Primary responsibilities will include helping document stories from the ecosystem (from covering events and programs to sharing students’ perspectives and projects); the role will pitch, report, and write a variety of stories and website/social content. They will also work with the team to support broader communications efforts, with opportunities to propose and take on strategic projects.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Content Creation: Pitch, report, and write a variety of stories for Yale Ventures about the Yale innovation ecosystem. Develop content for the website and social media channels.
- Innovator Profiles: Engage with faculty, students, and alumni to gather stories and insights. Highlight student achievements and experiences through compelling narratives.
- Partner Profiles: Engage with places and people in the innovation ecosystem outside of Yale, but in New Haven and Connecticut to highlight partnerships and community engagement
- Website Content: Work with the Communications & Marketing Director and other team members to enhance Yale Ventures’ website content.
- Event Coverage: Cover Yale Ventures events and programs, providing detailed and engaging reports. Ensure timely and accurate coverage of key activities and milestones.
Job Requirements
- Excellent writing, proofreading, and editing skills; attention to detail
- An “eye” for compelling moments and stories and comfort with interviewing and basic reporting techniques
- Skilled in both short- and long-form
- Impeccable time management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects/deadlines (including quick-turnaround deadlines)
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
This role works with the Innovation Community team at Yale Ventures. For questions, please contact amy.kundrat@yale.edu.
Assist with compliance reporting of invention disclosures and patent documents to federal funding agencies. This involves data entry and data management in a proprietary database from invention disclosures; evaluating disclosures to ensure data accuracy and completeness and preparing federal reporting documents under the guidance of compliance manager. No prior knowledge of intellectual property or compliance regulations is expected.
Assist in data entry of company and people records into a proprietary database under the guidance of associate director of licensing compliance.
Required Skills: MS Office, web data searches, attention to detail and time management. Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat is desired.
The Yale Innovation Summit convenes the innovation and entrepreneurship community for two days of impactful conversations, purposeful networking, and Yale pitch competition across five tracks of programming. Celebrating its 10th year, the event has become one of the region’s biggest and most impactful innovation events, drawing investors, founders, and industry partners to Yale’s campus from around the world to create new connections and opportunities.
The Yale Innovation Summit Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the planning and execution of the Yale Innovation Summit event, which takes place on May 28-29, 2025. This position is essential for ensuring the event's success by handling a variety of tasks related to event logistics, marketing, and communication. The Associate will work closely with the Event Manager and other Yale Ventures team members to ensure smooth operations and a memorable experience for all participants.
Primary Responsibilities
- Event Planning and Coordination: Assist in the development and execution of event plans, including scheduling, venue coordination, and vendor management.
- Marketing and Promotion: Support the creation and distribution of promotional materials, including social media content, newsletters, and event brochures.
- Registration and Attendee Management: Support the event registration process, including attendee communication, data entry, and on-site check-in.
- Speaker and Participant Liaison: Coordinate with speakers, panelists, and participants to ensure all logistical needs are met, including travel arrangements and presentation materials.
- Post-Event Activities: Assist in collecting feedback, analyzing event success, and preparing post-event reports.
Job Requirements
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
- Event Management Experience: Prior experience in event planning or coordination is preferred.
- Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using event management software, social media platforms, and basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
- Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrated ability to anticipate issues and proactively develop solutions.
- Team Player: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
The Operations Associate for the Blavatnik Fund will play a key role in supporting the operational efficiency of the fund. This position involves data gathering, metrics analysis, communications, and project management to optimize fund performance. The Operations Associate will collaborate with various team members to ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives that align with the fund’s mission of advancing innovative research and development.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Data Gathering and Management: Collect and organize data related to fund activities, including applications, project progress, and project outcomes. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in relevant databases and systems.
- Metrics Analysis: Analyze key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of fund initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
- Project Management: Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing projects related to the fund’s operations. Track project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure on-time and within-budget completion.
- Communication: Work alongside Technology Marketing Director to keep our communications channels (website, social media, press releases) updated
Job Requirements:
- Strong preference for candidates with familiarity with AirTable
- Strong Interest in Life Sciences: Degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, public health
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, AirTable)
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. Ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
- Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Strong time management skills to meet deadlines and prioritize workload effectively.
- Team Player: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Demonstrated capacity to build positive relationships with team members and stakeholders.
Corporate Strategy Operations and Reporting Associate
Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic initiatives? As the Operations and Reporting Associate, you'll be at the heart of our Corporate Strategy & External Operations (CSEO) team, driving processes that track our dynamic corporate partnerships and opportunities. Your work will directly influence Yale University leadership by providing transparent insights into our progress and challenges. We’re looking for a detail-oriented innovator who can elevate and refine our approach, making a significant impact on our mission.
What You’ll Do:
- Operations Process Development: Collaborate with the CSEO team to create and refine processes that set the gold standard for tracking project information. You'll develop and document best practices, making real-time updates in Salesforce as our standards evolve. Your work will ensure our reporting is streamlined and impactful, with visually engaging charts, graphs, and tables that tell the story behind the numbers.
- Operational Continuity and Recordkeeping: Be the backbone of our operations by ensuring seamless data entry and recordkeeping, supporting projects that span across the team.
- Activity Report Generation: Partner with Alliance Managers and Community Outreach Managers to craft and fine-tune reports that resonate. You'll create a detailed, user-friendly standard operating procedure that empowers the team to replicate your methods.
- Meeting Preparation: Collaborate with the CSEO team to gear up for critical meetings, ensuring every detail is covered and action items are followed through.
- Event Planning: Bring your logistical savvy to the table as you assist in planning high-impact corporate and Yale events. From marketing to catering, your touch will be felt in every aspect of event execution.
What You Bring:
- Organizational Mastery: You have a knack for juggling multiple tasks with precision, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Exceptional Communication: Your verbal and written communication skills are top-notch, allowing you to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. - Tech-Savvy: You’re comfortable with Microsoft Office software and eager to learn new tools, enhancing your ability to contribute to our mission.
Proactive Problem Solver: You don’t just spot potential issues—you anticipate them and develop proactive solutions.
Collaborative Spirit: Whether working independently or as part of a team, you’re a true team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
Join us and make a lasting impact on Yale’s corporate strategies.
Yale Venture Lab is a new initiative launched by Yale Ventures to accelerate Yale faculty ventures that have already established proof-of-concept. Working across six major themes (Therapeutics, Medtech, Digital Healthcare, Data Science, High Tech, and Climate Tech), Venture Lab connects small teams of experts (Yale EIRs) drawn from industry and the investment world to refine their research and explore applications with market potential.
The Venture Lab associate will support operations for Venture Lab. We are looking for candidates with the following:
- Project management experience who can work with AirTable and spreadsheets, and Power Point
- Excellent writer & communicator
- Organized and responsive
- Strong attention to detail
- Work 8-10 hours a week