Venture Director (VD) – Independent Consultant

Tokyo (Significant In-Residence Commitment) | Full-Time Consulting Engagement | Up to 36 Months

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). As part of this effort, SRI is seeking senior, independent consultants to serve as Venture Directors (VDs)—a program-manager role with exceptional autonomy and impact.

As a Venture Director consultant, you will design, launch, and lead ambitious deep-technology research programs addressing major economic, societal, and environmental challenges. Each VD will have access up to $30M in research funding for the programs they design and oversee.

This is a non-employee consulting engagement, structured as a full-time commitment for up to three years, and requires significant time in residence in Tokyo.

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
• 5+ years leading advanced research or deep-tech innovation (academia, industry, national labs, or startups)
• PhD or equivalent technical experience
• Strong track record in technology transition and stakeholder engagement

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

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

Compensation and travel expenses will be competitive.

Independent Consultant / Non-Employee Disclaimer

This role is offered exclusively as an independent consulting engagement. Venture Directors will serve as non-employees of SRI International, operating under a consulting agreement for a full-time commitment of up to 36 months. This position does not include employee status or employee benefits.