Program Manager, Lab2Market

Competition 2273

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $63,090 to $105,189. This position has an initial appointment of two years from the date of hire.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Office of the Vice President - Research and Innovation

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $600 million annually from various research funders and partners, including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

The Vice-President (Research and Innovation) portfolio plays a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the University of Alberta’s dynamic research enterprise. As part of the VPRI team, you’ll contribute to a world-renowned institution where bold ideas turn into real-world impact.

We provide leadership, guidance, and a broad range of research services to ensure excellence across operational, financial, legal, ethical, and safety standards. Our work empowers researchers and partners to drive innovation in critical areas—from energy and climate transition to AI, health, and Indigenous leadership. In collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners, VPRI is shaping the future—purposefully and responsibly.

Position

Are you passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and helping brilliant ideas make their way into the world? The Lab2Market Alberta Hub, led by the University of Alberta in partnership with the University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, and Edmonton Unlimited, is seeking a dynamic Program Manager to lead and grow our commercialization programming for researchers and innovators.

Reporting to the Director, Innovation & Partnerships, this position plays a pivotal role in the strategic planning, execution, and management of the Lab2Market Suite programs.

About Lab2Market:

Lab2Market is a national initiative helping graduate students and postdoctoral researchers explore the commercial potential of their STEM-based research. Through mentorship, structured training, and funding, participants critically assess their research and learn to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

View more at: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/research/innovation/lab2market.html

Duties

Program Management (40%)

• The Program Manager will be responsible for program planning, execution, and day-to-day management of participants, program facilitators, founder council members, and mentors.
• Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of Lab2Market Alberta Hub programs (Discover, Validate, Launch).
• Moderate weekly sessions and workshops to engage participants and support their learning.
• Implement and manage program content, schedules, and event timelines for impactful delivery.
• Manage program budgets, timelines, and reporting in compliance with funder requirements.
  Recruit and engage high-quality mentors and ensure positive program outcomes.
• Track performance metrics, evaluate success, and report to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Alberta Hub members and site coordinators to ensure cohesive delivery across sites.
• Ensure adherence to national Lab2Market standards and collaborate with other regional hubs to align on programming and quality.

Recruitment and Outreach (20%)

• The Program Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing recruitment to attract a diverse and talented cohort of participants, ensuring alignment with National Lab2Market schedules and guidelines.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract diverse and talented program participants.
• Partner with the VPRI Innovation & Partnerships team to promote the Lab2Market Suite of programs.
• Build and maintain a recruitment funnel across Alberta and within partner institutions.
• Engage with prospective applicants through outreach events, webinars, and personalized follow-ups.
• Foster relationships with internal departments and external partners to raise program visibility.

Program Oversight and Collaboration (20%)

• The Program Manager will work closely with the Lab2Market national Managers to ensure consistent and strategic alignment between regional and national programming.
• Provide mentorship and support to new Lab2Market site managers for consistent program delivery.
• Work collaboratively with event planners, facilitators, and ecosystem partners to deliver seamless programming.
• Monitor key success metrics (participant engagement, commercialization outcomes, etc.).
• Collaborate nationally with other Launch Program Managers for program consistency and shared improvement.
• Act as the Alberta Hub liaison to national partners including Innovate Calgary, Edmonton Unlimited, and Mitacs.
• Build partnerships with startups, media, and innovation stakeholders to enhance Lab2Market’s reach and impact.

Lab2Market Alberta Hub Support (20%)

• The Program Manager will work closely with the Lab2Market Alberta Hub Lead and will support metrics, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. 
• Coordinate with program teams across Alberta to ensure accurate reporting and shared outcomes.
• Engage with external partners and other Canadian hubs to ensure continuous communication and alignment.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new team members, program coordinators, and site leads.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related field, such as life sciences or engineering.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably in innovation, research commercialization, or entrepreneurship environments.
• Direct experience working with startups or within incubators, accelerators, or venture creation programs.
  Proven understanding of startup methodologies, including Lean Startup and Disciplined Entrepreneurship.
• Strong background in customer discovery, market validation, and early-stage business development.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, startups, researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders.
• Expertise in managing full program lifecycles, including budgeting, contracting, vendor management, and reporting.
• Project management experience across multiple sites and complex stakeholder groups.
• Experience providing coaching or mentorship to students, researchers, or early-stage entrepreneurs.

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor participants, and coordinate mentors and facilitators across programs.
• Strategic Planning: Skilled in long-term planning and decision-making to grow program impact and drive results.
• Communication & Networking: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and represent the program with diverse audiences.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and evaluation skills, with the ability to assess program outcomes and implement improvements.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Deep commitment to innovation, creativity, and supporting the commercialization of research.