West Cambridge | From £69,000 | Permanent, full-time | Hybrid working

Unlock the future of innovation at the University of Cambridge! Empower groundbreaking technologies and transform cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.

Why you will love this role:

Imagine leading a portfolio of pioneering projects, from initial discovery to successful commercialisation. As an Associate Director, you’ll collaborate with brilliant minds, turning their innovative ideas into market-ready products.

You will manage these projects from start to finish, making decisions that shape the future of technology, and contribute to licencing and spin-outs. In some instances, you will also continue to play a key role in their development post-deal. You'll be responsible for some of our most complex cases, working with innovative research and world-leading scientists, with opportunities for creative dealmaking. Your work will not only impact industry but also bring significant economic and societal benefits.

You will innovate and help create new strategies to keep Cambridge Enterprise at the cutting edge of technology development and commercialisation. You’ll be a senior member of a dynamic team with opportunities to coach and guide talented colleagues, fostering their growth and contributing to a culture of excellence.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of Cambridge Enterprise’s mission to support researchers in developing their ideas into opportunities that attract industry and investors. You’ll manage a variety of projects, from identifying new opportunities and evaluating them for inclusion in the Cambridge Enterprise portfolio, to protecting, developing, marketing, managing risk, and concluding commercial deals. Your decisions will be based on the commercial opportunity, potential economic and societal impact, and the resources required.

You'll lead the team with a supportive and collaborative approach, fostering development and helping Managers grow as leaders in technology transfer. You will also build and maintain strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including academics, funders, potential licensees, and investors. You’ll work actively with inventors to secure translational and proof-of-concept funding and access appropriate external expertise. Additionally, you’ll raise and maintain the profile and awareness of Cambridge Enterprise’s activities, expertise, and resources within the University of Cambridge and beyond.

What we're looking for:

• PhD or research experience in a relevant life sciences field.
• Significant commercial experience in knowledge-based business and contract negotiation.
• Experience with intellectual property (IP) protection mechanisms.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including leading projects, managing staff and the ability to nurture junior talent.
• Experience of negotiating different types of IP agreements and drafting bespoke clauses.
• Leadership on multiple licence negotiations evidenced by a strong deal sheet of previous deals.
• Expertise in life sciences technology development, licensing, and business development.
• Sound judgment and confidence in making decisions on technology management and agreements.
• Strong organisational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and a keen interest in leveraging AI and technology to enhance productivity.
• Ability to build strong relationships and contribute to effective case progression.
• Experience in managing complex and sensitive issues, using initiative to solve problems.
• Understanding and responding to customer needs, tailoring services accordingly.
• Positive engagement with teams and adaptability to changing requirements.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of the University or NHS sectors and project management skills.
• Familiarity with CRM systems.

 

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 most 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, Michelle or Sofia 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 an Associate Director to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.

Key dates:

Closing date: 26th February
First interviews: 13th & 14th March
Final interviews: 20th March