Are you a PhD candidate or Postdoc passionate about science, startups, and shaping the future of innovation? Ajinomoto Group Ventures is now accepting applications for new Technical Venture Fellows to join our team.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
- The Technical Venture Fellowship is a nine-month program that offers a unique entry into the venture capital industry through deal sourcing, due diligence, market research, and participating in comprehensive portfolio reviews.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Highly motivated PhD or Postdoc candidates who are passionate about venture capital and empathetic toward the entrepreneurial experience
- Successful candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and a keen interest in one of the following technologies and applications: 1) Deep tech: chemistry and materials; computing including optical and electrical components; human-technology interfaces 2) Climate: energy generation and storage; carbon management
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Intellectual curiosity with strong research abilities
- Superior communications and reporting skills
- Self-driven, adaptive and collaborative team player
- PHD student or graduate with a technical focus (Chemistry and engineering a plus)
- Previous work experience with a deep tech startup or corporation a plus
OCCUPATIONAL DEMANDS:
- Regular weekly presence at our Palo Alto office (minimum once per week) is required.
- A minimum commitment of 16 working hours per week is expected.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performing scientific and market research to help identify new investment trends and research and innovation opportunities within a focus area
- Deal screening, analysis, and documentation, including identifying and interviewing potential portfolio targets, analyzing comparative technology and science, documenting call notes and evaluation into CRM
- Generating intelligence reports for innovation and executive teams
- Participating in venture ecosystem events and expanding Ajinomoto network
- 9-month fellowship. Exact weekly hours to be determined based on individual circumstances
Compensation:
- Compensation will be determined based on market rates and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
To apply, send your CV to venturing@ajiusa.com. Please include a short message on why you want to join our team and use "2025 Technical Venture Fellow" in your email subject.
