Commercialisation Associate (Life Sciences)

West Cambridge | salary from £38,205 | Hybrid: 2-3 days in office

Do you want to play a role in commercialising the ideas of world-leading academics?

We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding , start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive. Our success stories include a revolutionary suspension technology used in Formula 1 racing, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and a breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology .  Now we need a Commercialisation Associate to join the team and play a key role in helping researchers develop their ideas, technologies and inventions into opportunities that are attractive to industry and investors.

The variety of the role is remarkable; working within the Technology Transfer (TT) team, you will guide academics as they move from frontier research towards application through the commercialisation of their ideas and inventions. You will help identify the value of a technology (through prior art searches and market analysis) and your contribution will help to further enhance its value. You will protect ideas through IP management, draft contracts, and meeting with academics to promote Cambridge Enterprise and support licensing and new company creation through industry and investor partnerships.

You will find the breadth of scientific diversity and the range of project statuses (from fledgling idea through to patented and licensed technology) stimulating and engaging. Working at the heart of Europe’s most successful innovation cluster, you will be working with cutting-edge technologies and the next great ideas, able to help these discoveries make a difference in the world.

• Your background is in life sciences, and you have a Ph.D. and/or research experience.
• You have an interest in innovation and managing and commercialising intellectual property and a broad interest in science and technology.
• Perhaps you already have knowledge of the patenting process, licensing, or other aspects of technology transfer, and experience in a commercial environment.
• You have excellent organisation skills and can handle and prioritise a number of projects simultaneously.
• You have highly developed communication skills and can put yourself in your customer’s shoes.
• Your IT skills are proficient, you are able to work well within a team, and demonstrate high levels of initiative.

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet the majority of the job requirements.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian, Gemma or Michelle at [email protected]

Our benefits package is impressive. With 30 days of annual leave, a generous University pension, health and lifestyle benefits and a modern office at West Cambridge, you'll thrive in this vibrant academic and innovation community.

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
• Generous University pension scheme.
• A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
• Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
• Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.
• Retail and travel discounts.

Closing date: 7th February 2024
First interviews: 13th and 14th February
Second interviews: 21st, 26th and 27th February