Technical Scientific, Engineering & Technical Assistant, ASCENT (Tech SETA)

[Japan ASCENT Program Context]
Japan is a global leader in science and engineering, with world-class universities and significant investment in research and development (R&D). Yet its innovation ecosystem faces a persistent challenge: translating research excellence into startups, industries, and global impact. Limited pathways to commercialization can constrain the ambitions of Japanese researchers, contribute to talent leakage, and slow economic renewal.
The Government of Japan launched the Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative to transform this dynamic by attracting world-class researchers, startups, and investors, and by piloting ambitious programs in international research, venture building, and fellowships.
Renaissance Philanthropy’s flagship contribution to this effort is ASCENT (Accelerating Science, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship through New Technologies), a formal R&D partnership with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) under the Cabinet Office’s Global Startup Campus Initiative. ASCENT is designed to identify, fund, and accelerate high-impact technology development while strengthening Japan’s capacity to translate ambitious research into real-world applications and commercial impact.
Through ASCENT, Renaissance Philanthropy has already deployed the first Japan-based cohort of its Big if True Science (BiTS) Accelerator to train Venture Directors (VDs)—science leaders capable of designing and implementing ambitious R&D programs. Building on this foundation, ASCENT will develop and deliver high-impact research programs spanning advanced manufacturing, intelligent systems, and other areas of deep technology; accelerate their translation into real-world applications and new ventures; and cultivate a pipeline of next-generation science leaders through the BRIDGE fellowship. Together, these efforts will equip participants with the skills, networks, and institutional support to advance transformative ideas in Japan and internationally.

Work content and job description
[Role Overview]
The Technical Scientific, Engineering & Technical Assistant (Tech SETA) will support ASCENT’s program operations in Japan. Serving as a trusted technical resource to the ASCENT Program Director and Venture Directors, the Tech SETA will provide domain expertise, conduct technical due diligence, and engage with performers across the program portfolio.
[Key Responsibilities]

• Conduct technical due diligence on proposals and venture candidates in AI, machine vision, and robotics
• Monitor milestone progress for funded performers and flag technical risk to the Program Director
• Provide domain expertise to support portfolio design, Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) development, and evaluation criteria
• Participate in site visits, demo days, and peer reviews, and facilitate knowledge exchange across the portfolio
• Support ecosystem mapping, including competitive and IP landscapes and opportunities for new spinouts
• Serve as a liaison between Japanese academic and industry stakeholders and the ASCENT leadership team
• Prepare clear, decision-ready technical summaries and briefing materials in both Japanese and English

Work experience
[Technical Experience]

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: AI and machine learning, machine vision and computer vision, robotics, and autonomous systems
• Experience evaluating or supporting early-stage technology development through R&D program management, venture assessment, applied research, or a related setting
• Familiarity with Japan's research and innovation ecosystem, including universities, national laboratories, JST or NEDO programs, and startups

[Preferred Qualifications]

• Previous experience in an R&D program management or advisory role within government, FFRDC, a Japanese National Research and Development Agency (Kokuritsu Kenkyuu Kaihatsu Houjin), or the private sector
• Knowledge of ARPA-style program design, milestone-based funding, or Heilmeier Catechism-style program evaluation
• A professional network spanning Japanese academia, industry, and government, particularly in advanced manufacturing or intelligent systems

Description
[Language Skills]

• Native-level proficiency in Japanese, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Business-level or higher proficiency in English, sufficient for preparing technical documents, delivering presentations, and collaborating with stakeholders in Japan and abroad.

Selection
After the application screening, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.