Commercialisation Associate (Research Tools)

West Cambridge | From £38,205

| Full time – Permanent | Hybrid 2-3 days in office

Step into a role where your work will shape the future.
 

Why you will love this role:

Imagine turning groundbreaking research into real-world impact, every single day. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to bridge the gap between academia and industry, this might be the perfect role for you.

At Cambridge Enterprise, you’ll dive into a world of cutting-edge discoveries, licensing research tools created by some of the brightest minds at the University of Cambridge. Picture yourself helping to manage a diverse portfolio—ranging from physical and life sciences to the arts—where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, licensing these tools to companies and institutions that can drive societal change.

The tools in our portfolio are all ready to be licensed without further development and include reagents, software, academic courses, questionnaires, copyright, confidential information, database rights. So not only will you grow your expertise in commercialisation, but you’ll also build relationships with top academics and industry leaders.

Your work here is more than just a job; it's a chance to make a tangible difference in the world, supported by an environment that champions your professional growth.

Your day to day will involve:

• Licensing: Negotiating and managing research tool licenses with external clients.
• Portfolio development: Identifying and assessing new research tools for commercialization.
• Relationship building: Cultivating strong relationships with academics and external stakeholders.
• Consultancy support: Providing consultancy services related to research tools.
• Project management: Overseeing the licensing process from start to finish.
• Collaboration: Working closely with a team of talented professionals.

What we're looking for:

• A strong scientific background, ideally with a degree in a relevant field; a PhD would be a bonus.
• Experience in a commercial, legal, or research environment.
• Familiarity with technology transfer or licensing would be advantageous.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Experience in handling or negotiating commercial contracts (training provided).
• A proactive, enthusiastic approach to your work with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Nice to have:

• Licensing experience within a Technology Transfer/Knowledge Transfer environment.
• Previous experience in a legal or commercial setting.

Diversity and equality matter:

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 people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk

Perks at a glance:

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
• 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.

Why Cambridge Enterprise? 

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 an electric vehicle charging technology that's as convenient as filling up with petrol, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and the world's first treatment for a rare cause of blindness. Now, we need a Commercialisation Associate to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.