Commercialisation Associate (Research Tools)

Would you like play an important role in helping to transfer the extensive knowledge, expertise and technology from within the University of Cambridge for the benefit of the wider world?

Background:

Sitting at the heart of Europe’s most successful innovation cluster, Cambridge Enterprise is the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge, supporting academic staff and students in licensing their inventions, creating and funding new companies and providing consultancy services to industry, government and others.

The role:

We are looking for a Commercialisation Associate to join the Research Tools team. You will be helping to transfer technology created at the University of Cambridge to the wider world, creating real societal benefits. Your role would be to license research tools from the University of Cambridge, this would include responsibility for the Cambridge Enterprise licensing platform.

Within Cambridge Enterprise the Research Tools team manages a diverse portfolio of technology that is created by University of Cambridge academics in the process of their research that can be directly licenced out. This includes reagents, software, copyright, confidential information and database rights, and are often ready to be licensed without further development. These tools can be licensed to companies for internal research use, as part of a product or for commercial distribution. This varied role will see you not only work within the Life and Physical Science fields but also Arts, Humanities and Social Science as Research Tools manages a portfolio that represents the breath of research within Cambridge University. This fast paced role will be a great opportunity to develop a broad knowledge of commercialisation approaches.

As a Commercialisation Associate your role would include negotiating terms with external clients, drafting contracts, monitoring projects, fulfilling licensing requests through the licensing platform, supporting the relationship between internal and external clients and helping to develop and promote the business.

Your Skills:

Ideally you will have a strong scientific background. In addition, experience in a commercial, legal or research environment would be a strong advantage. You have an interest in entrepreneurship and managing and commercialisation of research. Perhaps you already have knowledge of the patenting process, licensing, or other aspects of technology transfer, and experience in a commercial environment. The ability to cope with a fast paced, high turnover environment is essential.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, well-organised candidate who has excellent communication skills. The ability to prioritise and to handle a number of projects in parallel, while maintaining an active customer focus, is key. Experience of handling and/or negotiating commercial contracts would be a real advantage but training will be provided.

Benefits:

Continuous development is key to the role. You will have on-the-job mentoring by some of the most experienced technology transfer/knowledge transfer professionals in the world, as well as access to a raft of training courses including the UK TT industry’s ‘gold standard’ courses run by PraxisAuril and courses run by ASTP (the pan European Associations for professionals involved in knowledge transfer).

Working for a subsidiary of the University of Cambridge, you will be offered a competitive salary with performance related pay, 30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, a University pension and a flexible working environment.

The University of Cambridge and Cambridge Enterprise value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity.

Location:

Our office base is at the Hauser Forum, West Cambridge Site. We offer hybrid working, and the post holder will be expected to work in-person 2 – 3 days per week.