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- Tasks: Lead the commercialisation of groundbreaking research and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Cambridge Enterprise connects innovative academics with funding and commercial opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and personal development support.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by transforming research into practical applications in a vibrant innovation hub.
- Qualifications: PhD in engineering, physics, maths, chemistry, materials, or computer science with relevant experience.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; apply even if you don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 67000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the role at Cambridge Enterprise. West Cambridge | From £57,442| Permanent – full time Hybrid 3 days in office.
Do you want to play a leading role in commercialising the ideas of world-leading academics? This is an exciting and varied management position within our Technology Transfer team. You will play a critical role in supporting and guiding academics as they transition from groundbreaking research to real-world applications and the commercialisation of cutting-edge innovations. You will lead on a diverse range of projects spanning various stages of development, from fledgling concepts to patented and licensed technologies. Situated at the heart of Europe’s most successful innovation cluster, you will work on the next big technological advancements, helping these discoveries make a real-world impact.
You will provide leadership to junior members of the team, nurturing their development and supporting their growth as future leaders in technology transfer as well as support the delivery of strategic projects that strengthen the Technology Transfer capabilities of Cambridge Enterprise.
Your day-to-day work will involve many different activities:
- Leadership & Development: Provide mentorship and support to junior team members, ensuring their growth and development. Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.
- Innovation Leadership: Lead interactions with researchers to assess groundbreaking ideas, explore commercial potential, and develop commercialisation roadmaps that bridge academic research and practical applications.
- Enhance Value: Collaborate with researchers to develop and implement intellectual property strategies that enhance the value of their innovations to industry.
- Research Transformation: Help researchers turn their findings into proof-of-concept demonstrators that de-risk their ideas and create commercially viable opportunities.
- Market Assessments: Manage and interpret market assessments to support the development of intellectual property assets and proof-of-concept demonstrators.
- Business Development: Identify potential licensees and build strategic relationships to secure technology development and licensing opportunities.
- Agreements: Oversee and draft a wide variety of agreements, from confidentiality agreements to joint invention agreements and commercial licences, facilitating the commercialisation process.
- Academic Outreach and Training: Engage with researchers to promote Cambridge Enterprise through our outreach and training programs.
- Support Company Creation: Facilitate the creation of spin-out companies through industry and investor partnerships.
- Strategic Initiatives: Support the delivery of strategic initiatives that drive the long-term success of the team and the wider organisation.
What we’re looking for:
- A background in engineering, physics, maths, chemistry, materials, or computer science with research experience and a PhD (or equivalent).
- Extensive experience either within a commercial environment or the academic sector, with a strong track record in technology commercialisation, intellectual property management, business development, and contract negotiation.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including leading people and projects, and the ability to nurture junior talent.
- Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a complex portfolio of projects.
- Strong interpersonal, team-working, and communication skills to effectively manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- High levels of initiative, creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to influence outcomes with sound solutions.
- A track record of making responsible decisions on portfolio management, resource deployment, and legal agreements.
Nice to have:
- You may also have knowledge of software, AI or data innovations.
- Some line management experience.
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 the majority 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, Sofia or Michelle 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.
- Access to Bupa's Menopause Plan for expert advice and support.
- 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 a Senior Commercialisation Manager to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.
Key dates: Closing date: 4th July 1st interviews: Week Commencing 8th July 2nd interviews: 16th July.
Senior Commercialisation Manager - Physical Sciences employer: Cambridge Enterprise
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Enterprise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercialisation Manager - Physical Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the technology transfer and commercialisation sectors. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and industry leaders. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and may lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in technology commercialisation, especially within the physical sciences. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how you've nurtured junior talent, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Cambridge Enterprise thoroughly. Understand their recent projects, success stories, and strategic goals. Tailoring your discussions around their initiatives will show that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercialisation Manager - Physical Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in technology commercialisation, intellectual property management, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to guide projects from research to real-world applications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting academics in their research and innovation efforts. Mention how your background aligns with the role's requirements and provide examples of your leadership experience and successful project management.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your organisational, time management, and interpersonal skills. Highlight any experience you have in business development and contract negotiation, as these are crucial for the Senior Commercialisation Manager role.
Research Cambridge Enterprise: Familiarise yourself with Cambridge Enterprise's mission and recent projects. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Enterprise
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Commercialisation Manager, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior team members. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've nurtured talent in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
With a background in physical sciences, it's crucial to articulate your understanding of the field. Prepare to discuss relevant research you've conducted and how it can translate into commercial opportunities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of examples where you've successfully managed complex projects or navigated challenges in technology transfer.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Cambridge Enterprise's goals and recent success stories. Being able to align your personal values with the company's mission will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.