Innovation Development Manager (Internal Applicants Only)

Innovation Development Manager (Internal Applicants Only)

Part-Time 56431 - 66437 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
U

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive innovation by connecting researchers with industry and funding opportunities.
  • Company: UCL Innovation and Enterprise, a leader in research and innovation.
  • Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, cycle to work, and employee support services.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to tackling global challenges.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact by transforming cutting-edge research into solutions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in innovation development and partnership building is essential.

The predicted salary is between 56431 - 66437 £ per year.

UCL Innovation and Enterprise is a group of specialist teams working with students and staff to encourage a spirit of enterprise, create links with the outside world and accelerate UCL’s innovation and impact. It is part of the wider Research, Innovation & Global Engagement (RIGE) function.

UCL Innovation and Enterprise's work is at the heart of UCL’s ambition to change the world for the better and plays a vital part in our shared mission to tackle the great global challenges of our time.

We’re looking for an Innovation Development Manager to join its Strategic Innovation Partnerships team. This is an exciting opportunity to help identify and develop innovative ideas emerging from UCL's world-leading research, supporting academics to transform promising discoveries into impactful collaborations, funded projects and market-ready opportunities.

Working closely with colleagues across UCL's innovation ecosystem, including UCL Ventures, UCL Consultants, faculty teams and external partners, you will play a key role in connecting researchers with industry and funding opportunities. You will develop strategic relationships with businesses, advise academics on innovation pathways, facilitate workshops that generate new innovation opportunities, and support collaborative funding applications that accelerate research towards commercial and societal impact.

This is a secondment opportunity at 0.9FTE for a period of 12 months.

We're looking for someone with experience of innovation development, partnership building or research commercialisation, alongside a strong understanding of the UK research and innovation landscape. You will have a proven ability to develop successful collaborations with industry, secure external funding, manage complex projects and engage confidently with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Experience delivering workshops or innovation events is essential, while knowledge of technology or product development within industry would be an advantage.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to UCL's ambitious Innovation and Enterprise Strategy, working with outstanding researchers and partners to translate cutting-edge research into solutions that deliver real-world impact.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

  • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
  • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
  • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
  • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
  • Relocation scheme for certain posts
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Innovation Development Manager (Internal Applicants Only) employer: UK Dementia Research Institute

At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.

U

Contact Details:

UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Innovation Development Manager (Internal Applicants Only)

Get Involved in Innovation Communities

Join local and online innovation and R&D groups! Platforms like Meetup, LinkedIn groups, or even forums specific to innovation management can connect you with industry professionals. These are great places to learn about part-time opportunities and get the inside scoop on what companies like UK Dementia Research Institute value.

Attend Industry Events

Keep an eye out for hackathons, innovation workshops, or conferences in your area. These events are not just about networking; many companies showcase their projects and might be looking for part-time help. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your passion for innovation in person!

Showcase Your Projects

If you've been involved in any innovative projects, whether academic or personal, create a portfolio that highlights them! This can be a powerful tool when talking to potential employers like UK Dementia Research Institute about what you can bring to their team in a part-time capacity.

Apply Directly Through Us

Don't forget to apply through the official channels, especially our website! Sometimes, opportunities can be hidden in plain sight, and having your application directly to UK Dementia Research Institute via our platform can put you ahead of the game in landing that part-time gig in innovation R&D management.

We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Development Manager (Internal Applicants Only)

Innovation Development
Partnership Building
Research Commercialisation
Understanding of UK Research and Innovation Landscape
Collaboration with Industry
Securing External Funding
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Innovative Projects:In the innovation and R&D management field, it’s crucial to highlight your experience with specific projects or initiatives you've driven or been a part of. Be sure to mention any innovative solutions you’ve implemented, even if they were in a casual or academic setting!

Emphasise Soft Skills:As a part-time role in innovation and R&D, organisations like UK Dementia Research Institute will be looking for your ability to collaborate, adapt and think creatively. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect these traits with examples of teamwork or problem-solving experiences.

Portfolio of Innovations:If you have a portfolio or case studies showcasing your projects, don’t skip this! Even as a part-time candidate, having something tangible can really make you stand out. Include any presentations, reports or achievements that highlight your contributions to innovative projects.

Tailor Your Motivation Message:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re interested in a part-time role within innovation and R&D at UK Dementia Research Institute. Focus on how this opportunity aligns with your career goals and your genuine interest in contributing to their innovative projects. We want to see your passion!

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute

Showcase Your Curiosity

In innovation and R&D management, they're looking for individuals who are naturally curious and passionate about pushing boundaries. Be ready to discuss recent trends in your field and how they inspire you, as well as any personal projects that demonstrate your innovative thinking.

Bring the Right Tools to the Table

Make sure you're familiar with the latest R&D methodologies and tools—think project management software, data analytics, or even design thinking techniques. Prepare to highlight any relevant experience you have with these tools during the interview at UK Dementia Research Institute—they might ask you to discuss real-life applications or case studies!

Reflect on Your Part-Time Commitment

Since this is a part-time role, be prepared to explain how you’ll manage your time effectively. Share your strategies for balancing studies, projects or any freelance work while ensuring that you can contribute meaningfully to UK Dementia Research Institute's objectives.

Connect with Their Vision

Take a deep dive into UK Dementia Research Institute's mission and recent projects before the interview. Show how your personal values and innovative ideas align with what they're trying to achieve, and don't hesitate to suggest how you can contribute to their ongoing or upcoming R&D initiatives!