Associate Licensing & Ventures Manager – Physical Sciences in Bristol

REF 291 – Fixed Term Contract to May 2027. We’re the innovation partner of the University of Oxford, using our commercial expertise to turn academic knowledge and research into real-world applications to build a better future. We bring together people with deep experience and broad expertise across research, business, investment and public impact. Most of our teams work closely with University of Oxford researchers and staff – using their specialist knowledge to help ideas travel from early thinking to innovation‑led impact – while others make sure OUI runs smoothly and sustainably. From the earliest spark of an idea through to investment and ultimate impact, we provide the expertise, support and connections needed at every stage of the journey.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will join a talented and supportive team within our Licensing & Ventures Group and will focus on assisting the commercialisation of technologies arising from across the University, primarily the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences. The Licensing & Ventures Associate will obtain a broad introduction into technology transfer activities, including an understanding of licensing intellectual property.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertaking market research and analysis to enable commercially viable deals to be completed.
• Supporting project managers by marketing technologies to potential end‑users in industry and helping to create compelling business cases for spin‑out companies.
• Managing project administration and supporting the Licensing & Ventures Managers in project work.

About You

The successful candidate will have a 1st class or upper second‑class degree in a Physical Sciences or Engineering domain, with experience of working in a related research or commercial environment. They will also possess enthusiasm, positivity, and an appetite for learning and personal development, alongside a desire to achieve results. Additional qualifications such as a PhD or MBA are advantageous, although not essential.

Qualifications and Attributes

• The ability to grasp challenging technical concepts quickly.
• Degree qualified (ideally 2.1 or 1st class honours) in a Physical Sciences or Engineering related field, with Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship management and team working skills, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working successfully and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organisational skills that allow effective management and prioritisation of a wide range of tasks within a process‑driven environment.
• Making considered recommendations that demonstrate sound judgement and good analysis.
• Listening effectively to colleagues and stakeholders, learning quickly, accepting constructive feedback and putting it into practice.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this role is £36,000 per annum with excellent pro rata benefits including 30 days holiday & 8 bank holidays, rewards scheme, career opportunities, generous pension, private medical insurance and 50/50 hybrid working.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Oxford University Innovation is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a supportive working, learning and social environment, in which the rights and dignity of all its staff are respected, and where everyone is able to be themselves and is empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment is linked to and reinforces the OUI values of integrity, collaboration and empowerment. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. OUI is accredited with the Investors in People Gold status.

Hybrid and Flexible Working

We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent. We also appreciate that the UK workforce is becoming increasingly diverse and includes a high percentage of parents and individuals with caring responsibilities, as well as those whose interests and aspirations impact on their time. We recognise the importance of helping our employees balance their work and home lives by offering flexible working arrangements that enable them to balance their work commitments with other priorities. This includes hybrid working and flexible working.