West Cambridge | From £40,000 | Hybrid Working

Want to help turn research into real world impact?

At Cambridge Enterprise, we work with University of Cambridge researchers to take their ideas and innovative technologies beyond academia. That might mean licensing intellectual property, building and launching a new company, or building a social enterprise.

We are looking for a Commercialisation Associate to join a small, focused team supporting enterprising researchers from the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. This is a hands-on role where you will work with a busy and varied portfolio of early-stage commercial projects to enable impact in sectors ranging from creative industries to education, geopolitics to finance.

You will learn to assess commercial potential, navigate commercialisation options, and to provide meaningful support to research innovators as they work to transform their academic outputs into real-world products and services that create lasting social impact.

What you will do

You will work closely with Case Managers and researchers to move projects forward. This includes:

• Assessing new ideas and technologies for commercial potential

• Advising researchers on their next steps to develop their research into a viable product, service or business

• Supporting IP strategy including drafting straightforward contracts

• Carrying out market research and engaging external co-development partners

• Preparing marketing materials and pitches for industry, funders and investors

• Supporting licensing deals, spinout and social enterprise creation

• Identifying funding opportunities and engaging with investors and funders

• Managing communications, meetings and follow ups

Your contributions will help to promote commercialisation as a route to real-world impact and to support an active and growing entrepreneurial community of humanities and social science researchers.

What you will bring

• Masters-level or higher qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant subject, ideally social science

• Interest in commercialisation, partnerships or intellectual property

• Strong organisation and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Clear communication skills and confidence working with a range of stakeholders

• Ability to analyse information and make practical recommendations

Useful but not essential

• Experience supporting knowledge exchange and impact, licensing or technology transfer

• Experience with contracts or negotiation

• Experience presenting or delivering training

• Experience using CRM systems

Job Description

Why this role ?

The work is varied, fast paced and focused on real outcomes. You will build commercial skills while working closely with experienced colleagues in a supportive team.

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.

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.

• Access to Bupa’s Menopause Plan for expert advice and support.

• Retail and travel discounts.

Key dates:

Closing date:  Sunday 3rd May (Midnight)
Screening calls: w/c 11th May
First interviews: w/c 18th May
Final Interviews: w/c 1st June

Please note that we may close the role early, if there is a high response rate.