SRI International has been selected by the Government of Japan’s Cabinet Office to help implement the International Research Program (IRP), a flagship initiative under the Global Start-up Campus (GSC) Global Startup Campus – Official Site. As part of this effort, SRI is seeking a senior program manager to serve as a Venture Director (VD)—a role with exceptional autonomy and impact.

As a Venture Director you will design, launch, and lead ambitious deep-technology research programs addressing major economic, societal, and environmental challenges. The VD will have access up to $30M in research funding for the programs they design and oversee. This position is part-time, and fully remote within the US.

What you’ll do:

• Conceive and lead high-risk, high-impact deep-tech research programs
• Select, mentor, and guide multidisciplinary research teams
• Manage multiple project teams simultaneously and make go / no-go funding decisions
• Engage with industry, government, and academic stakeholders in Japan and from around the world

Who you are:

• A senior technologist, researcher, or innovation leader
• 10+ years leading advanced research or deep-tech innovation (academia, industry, national labs, or startups)
• PhD or equivalent technical experience
• U.S. Citizenship required due to contract requirements.
• Strong track record in technology transition and stakeholder engagement

Key domains of interest
Advanced Connectivity & Compute • Smart Autonomous Systems (AI, robotics, sensors, digital twins)

Japanese language proficiency is not required. Familiarity with Japan is helpful.

The salary range is: $150,888-$249,910. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.