Venture Research Associate

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association Ventures Studio Red team is seeking a Venture Research Associate to support the incubation and development of new healthcare ventures focused on cardiology and brain health. This role is a key position within Studio Red, contributing to identifying, evaluating, and launching startups that align with the Association’s mission "to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives."

This individual will work closely with Studio Red leadership, entrepreneurs, researchers, and strategic partners to help evaluate new business opportunities, conduct due diligence, and support venture development efforts. The ideal candidate has a background in venture capital, strategy consulting, investment banking, or startup business development and a passion for advancing innovations in cardiovascular and neurological health.

This position can be home-based.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is our company culture, our way of life, reflecting commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, our focus on work-life harmonization, and our Guiding Values. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

Market & Opportunity Analysis

• Identify and analyze emerging cardiology and brain health technologies, startups, and business models that align with the Association’s mission.
• Conduct market research and competitive landscaping to assess potential venture opportunities.
• Perform financial modeling and valuation assessments for venture opportunities.

Venture Development & Incubation

• Assist in creating and executing business plans for new healthcare ventures, with a focus on cardiology and brain health.
• Support business model development, go-to-market strategy, and strategic partnerships for new initiatives.
• Work with Studio Red leadership to define key evaluation criteria for venture incubation.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

• Collaborate with external partners (healthcare startups, research institutions, entrepreneurs, venture investors) to identify and develop high-potential innovations.
• Establish and maintain long-term relationships with key industry leaders, investors, and innovators in healthcare.
• Represent Studio Red at industry conferences, investor meetings, and networking events to identify collaboration opportunities.

Operational & Financial Management

• Assist in tracking venture performance, including operational milestones and financial impact.
• Provide insights and recommendations to Studio Red leadership on investment decisions and portfolio management.
• Report on venture progress and outcomes to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, life sciences, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• At least three (3) years of experience in venture capital, market research, investment analysis, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct market analysis, perform financial modeling, and evaluate business opportunities.
• Strong ability to engage with both internal teams and external partners to advance business initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel 20% for meetings, conferences, project-specific activities, and business development.

Preferred Experience:

• MBA or other advanced degree.
• Five (5)+ years of experience in venture capital, market research, investment analysis, or related field.
• Experience in healthcare, particularly cardiology or brain health-related ventures.
• Experience working in or with startups, venture studios, or healthcare incubators.
• Experience with need-finding, validation, and evaluation processes.
• Track record of driving innovation, partnerships, and new business creation.

Why Join Studio Red?Studio Red provides a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in cardiovascular and brain health, working alongside top industry leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs to bring new solutions to market. This role offers a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on business development, and collaboration with key partners to advance groundbreaking healthcare ventures.

Compensation & Benefits

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases and incentive programs. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive of up to 10% of your base pay for this role. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  HeartU is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the AHA will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities. We're committed to ensuring our workforce, workplace culture and mission have a shared impact across a diverse set of backgrounds.This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities