Topeka ? Tom Thornton, who resigned last week under fire as president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, is now working to commercialize research at the famed Cleveland Clinic.

Thornton has been named general manager of alliances for Cleveland Clinic Innovations, Brian Kolonick, a spokesman for the CCI, said Friday.

Thornton’s departure from the KBA came shortly after it was revealed that the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office had started an investigation into the agency. Prosecutors have refused to say what they are looking into.

A state Senate committee chairwoman had also been critical of Thornton’s salary, bonus and business practices. And Gov. Sam Brownback requested the KBA conduct an extensive, independent audit of its financial dealings.

KBA officials have denied any wrongdoing and defended Thornton’s job performance. Under Thornton’s leadership, the KBA played a major role in landing the $650 million National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, they argued.

Kolonick said he had no comment on developments surrounding the KBA.

Last week, KBA chairman John Carlin had hinted that Thornton had found another job but had declined to comment further.