Commercialisation Associate (Research Tools) in Cambridge

West Cambridge | From £39,500 | Full-time | Hybrid working (2 days from home)

Step into a role where your work will shape the future. From cutting-edge software to breakthrough research tools, you'll help Cambridge innovations reach the people who can use them to make a difference.

Why you will love this role:

Imagine turning groundbreaking research into real-world impact, every single day. If you’re passionate about innovation and want to bridge the gap between academia and industry, this might be the perfect role for you. At Cambridge Enterprise, you’ll dive into a world of cutting-edge discoveries, licensing research tools created by some of the brightest minds at the University of Cambridge. Picture yourself helping to manage a diverse portfolio - ranging from physical and life sciences to the arts - where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, licensing these tools to companies and institutions that can drive societal change.

The tools in our portfolio are all ready to be licensed without further development and include reagents, software, academic courses, questionnaires, copyright, confidential information, database rights. So not only will you grow your expertise in commercialisation, but you’ll also build relationships with top academics and industry leaders. In particular, this role will manage the commercialisation and lead on the business development for the largest software based medical research tool within the research tools portfolio. Your work here is more than just a job; it's a chance to make a tangible difference in the world, supported by an environment that champions your professional growth.

What we're looking for:

• A degree in a scientific discipline (or equivalent experience), with an interest in research, innovation and commercialisation.
• An understanding of the needs and motivations of both academia and industry, with the ability to identify opportunities that create value for both.
• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in helping research outputs reach wider audiences through licensing and consultancy.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate and professional documents and agreements.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to build relationships with academics, external organisations and colleagues across a range of functions.
• The ability to negotiate effectively, balancing commercial objectives with risk management and organisational policies.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills, particularly when reviewing information, undertaking due diligence and managing agreements.
• Confidence working independently while recognising when to seek advice and collaborate with specialist colleagues.
• A proactive, motivated and enthusiastic approach, with a strong sense of accountability and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys working in a supportive, fast-paced environment.
• Good IT skills and confidence using systems, databases and online platforms to manage projects and records.
• An interest in developing expertise in licensing, consultancy, intellectual property and research commercialisation.

Nice to have:

• Experience drafting, negotiating or managing commercial, licensing or consultancy agreements.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, technology transfer or research commercialisation practices.
• Experience working with software, digital health technologies, life sciences or other research-based innovations.
• Experience engaging with university researchers, research institutions or innovation-focused organisations.
• Familiarity with business development, partnership development or portfolio management activities.

Diversity and equality matter: These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they check every single box. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so if you feel you have most of the skills and experience needed, we’d love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Kim or the People and Culture team at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk

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 a Commercialisation Associate (Research Tools) to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.

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: 11 October, 2026
• First interviews (remote): w/c 2 November, 2026
• Final interview (in-person): w/c 9 November, 2026