Ventures Manager (Life Sciences)
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to play a key role at one of the largest research-intensive universities in the UK? Do you want to be part of a team that contributes to the strategy for commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) generated within the University of Leeds?
The University of Leeds is one of the top 135 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.
The University of Leeds has a portfolio of over 30 active spinout companies (6 are AIM listed) and an extensive patent portfolio of over 450 applications.
This challenging role requires an energetic, self-motivated individual with an entrepreneurial attitude to work across all stages of new venture creation from early stage proposition building to securing investment and the establishment of spinout companies. You will build sustainable relationships with academics across the Life Science and Medicine and Health faculties, working with them to identify and build opportunities, then taking these forward for investment in line with the University’s strategy. The role will also include acting as non-executive director or observer for some portfolio companies and assisting the companies to attract executive management and follow-on investment.
You will carry out detailed commercial due diligence on early stage spinout opportunities, lead on commercial development funding applications, guide the IP protection strategy, be financially literate, ensure the commercialisation routes remain viable for spinout investment and negotiate terms for spinout deal closure.
You will have a background in the Life Sciences or Medicine and Health sectors with experience of either an investment or technology commercialisation role. You will have knowledge of the early stage seed funding environment, the ability to confidently build investor networks and experience in the operational aspects of spinout company formation.
You will be well-organised, have strong evaluation and planning skills with practical implementation ability to ensure spinout opportunities are driven forward. The ability to effectively engage and influence internal and external stakeholders is essential as is acting as a key source of expertise and leading on certain decisions.
What we offer in return
26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
Generous pension scheme – the University contributes 21.6% of salary
Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
To apply for the role or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Jason Beckwith j.beckwith@evolutionexec.com at Evolution Search Partners