ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship Program – 2026

Host Institution: Vanderbilt University
Affiliated Units:

• School of Medicine – Basic Sciences

• Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC)

• The Wond’ry

• BRET (Biomedical Research Education & Training) Office

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Position Type: Full-Time Postdoctoral Fellowship
Duration: 1 Year (Renewable for a Final Second Year Based on Performance)
Start Date: Flexible, ideally by March 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling – Until Position is Filled

Program Overview

The ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is a highly specialized entrepreneurial fellowship designed to:

1. Enable commercialization of Vanderbilt-developed technologies

2. Train biomedical Ph.D. scientists to become startup founders

This fellowship bridges the gap between academic research and biotech entrepreneurship. The selected fellow will lead the development of a startup company built around Vanderbilt intellectual property, gaining full-time immersion in the bioscience innovation and venture creation ecosystem.

Fellowship Experience

The selected ASPIRE to Innovate Fellow will:

• Work full-time to develop a commercialization and launch strategy for a Vanderbilt technology

• Engage deeply within the Nashville bioscience entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Receive:

  • One-on-one mentorship

  • Specialized business and commercialization training

  • High-level networking with investors, founders, and innovation leaders

• Have direct access to the PI and laboratory where the technology was developed

• Be provided with dedicated office space

• Have the opportunity to become a co-founder of the new venture

Supervision & Mentorship

The Fellow will be supervised by leadership from:

• Associate Dean for Research

• Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical Research, Education & Career Development

• Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC)

• Principal Investigator (PI) of the selected technology

Appointment & Compensation

• Official appointment as a Postdoctoral Fellow through the BRET Office

• Competitive salary and full benefits

• Initial one-year appointment, with possible extension to a second and final year based on commercialization progress

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be current biomedical sciences Ph.D. graduate students or postdocs affiliated with:

  • Vanderbilt School of Medicine – Basic Sciences

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)

• Be available to begin a full-time postdoctoral appointment by or before March 1, 2026

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Completion of ASPIRE modules in:

  • Management & Business Principles for Scientists and/or

  • Technology Commercialization

• Proven interest in entrepreneurship and innovation, shown through participation in:

  • Life Science TN / BioTN SciPreneur or Tech Venture Challenges

  • Enabling Innovation Initiative (ei²) Seminars

  • Brock Center Concept-to-Commercialization Series

  • Wond’ry Programming

  • ASPIRE Career Stories Seminars

  • Innovation internships or related programs

• Strong ability to:

  • Work independently

  • Be proactive and energetic

  • Learn quickly and be highly coachable

• Possess a strong entrepreneurial mindset

Application Process

Applicants must complete the SurveyMonkey application:

Application Link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ASPIREtoInnovate2026

Required Documents

Upload the following:

1. 1-page Personal Statement explaining:

   • Motivation for applying

   • How your expertise adds value

   • Prior experience preparing you for commercialization leadership

2. 1–3 page Resume

Program Contacts

For questions or to discuss the opportunity before applying:

• Ashley Brady
  Assistant Dean for Biomedical Career Engagement & Strategic Partnerships, BRET
  Email: [email protected]

• George Wilson
  Assistant Director of New Venture Programs, CTTC
  Email: [email protected]

Program Partnership

The ASPIRE to Innovate Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is made possible through a strategic partnership between:

• Vanderbilt School of Medicine – Basic Sciences

• Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC)

• The Wond’ry