Translation Manager – Newcastle: Cancer Research UK Commercial Partnerships

Translation Manager

Salary: £43,000 – £55,000 per annum + benefits 

Location: Mixture of home-based and on-site working (40-60%) at Newcastle University

Working hours: Full Time (we appreciate not everyone has the same working needs and are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please do advise your preferred work pattern upon application) 

Summary of the Role's Main Purpose

CRUKs Commercial Partnerships group (CP) is dedicated to the development and commercialisation of innovative research. The team accelerates the translation of new ideas into treatments by bringing together the expertise, capabilities, and resources of CRUK and its academic network with that of industry partners. 

Cancer is a major area of recognised strength in Newcastle University, and funding from CRUK is integral to that success. Cancer research at Newcastle has an impact upon oncology research and practice worldwide. The technology transfer partnership between Newcastle and CRUK has delivered life-saving technologies to market, including the drug Rubraca which was originally developed at Newcastle under CRUK funding and is now approved in the United States for the treatment of ovarian and prostate cancers.

Working within the CRUK Search and Evaluation team in close partnership with the Business Development and Enterprise team of Newcastle University, you will typically have responsibility for development and implementation of plans for translation of CRUK-funded research, principally focussing on Newcastle University. This will include project acquisition, active project development, intellectual property management, and providing support on the negotiation of small contracts.

Success in this role means that you will support the translation of new cancer discoveries arising from Newcastle to maximise positive commercial and patient benefit outcomes. You will welcome an intellectual challenge and will be able to quickly understand and provide critical analysis of proposed new projects and define strategies for development of your projects. You will work with, and influence, academic cancer researchers in the areas of drug discovery/development, biomarkers, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health/big data and research reagents.  It will also be important for you to build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholder within the UK translation ecosystem.

Who are you?

This role is ideally suited for a highly experienced scientist, with a passion for cancer research, looking to transition into a more technology focussed/translational role, and/or a technology transfer specialist looking to make a real difference for cancer patients.

This exciting position is also central to the CRUK ambition of beating cancer sooner.

What will I be doing?  

• Play an active role as member of Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences Enterprise team
• Accountability for opportunity sourcing and translation of cancer discoveries at Newcastle University
• Providing appropriate technology transfer services and managing intellectual property protection for your portfolio projects in a timely manner.
• Supporting the Regional Translation Lead and to build interaction across the UK cancer research translation ecosystem.
• Playing an active role as a member of CRUK Research & Innovation regional groupings.
• Supporting management of Key PIs and strategic initiatives in Newcastle and the surrounding area
• Performing an active role in the development of the regional translational project portfolio.
• Building and maintaining strong, integrated relationships with senior management figures and CRUK-funded scientists in the region.
• Developing a deep understanding of the research landscape in region and identifying increased collaborative and translational funding opportunities to accelerate development of your project portfolio.
• Working with colleagues from other Search and Evaluation regions to proactively seek collaborative and synergistic interactions.
• Supporting CRUK Commercial Partnerships, (including Ximbio) and R&I management with cross department activities as required.
• Providing expert translational advice to scientists, major centres and institutions through a well-developed network and communication links.
• Undertaking routine contract negotiation and management for your projects in liaison with Business Development & Transactions, and Legal colleagues as required.

What skills are we looking for? 

• PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific or healthcare discipline, ideally oncology/technology-related;
• Strong scientific background ideally focussed on cancer research.
• Experience in translating discovery research and pre-clinical science gained in sectors such as medical technologies, diagnostics, healthcare technologies and pharmaceuticals.  This experience may have been gained in industry, healthcare, academia or in non-profit organisations.
• Ideally, good working knowledge and experience of the patent filing and prosecution process.
• Preferably some experience of negotiating research-related contracts including MTAs, research collaboration agreements etc.
• Must have the ability to drive an entrepreneurial spirit and think creatively.

What will I gain? 

Working within an ambitious and driven Sourcing and Translation team, this role provides an opportunity to work alongside, collaborate with and learn from some of the most experienced experts in the sector.  As part of the team at CRUK you’ll see the value your skills bring to the incredible research we fund and in turn the impact this has on patient

Without you we wouldn’t be able to achieve our aim of seeing 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034. So, we want to reward you in as many ways as possible. Our benefits package includes discounts on anything from travel to technology, generous holiday allowance, gym membership, childcare vouchers and much more. You’ll also be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. And ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll be changing lives through your work.  

If you’re as ambitious as we are, join our collective force and enjoy an excellent career, as we save lives and add years. 

You can view the full job description here: candidate pack

At CRUK we value diversity and we're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. Unfortunately we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on recruitment@cancer.org.uk.