Commercialisation Manager

The Earlham Institute; Norwich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life science research institute based in Norwich is looking for a Commercialisation Manager to drive its commercial agenda. The successful candidate will support Knowledge Exchange, commercialisation, and impact strategies, engaging with industry partners and stakeholders. They will develop and manage a portfolio of commercial projects, improve internal processes for project management, and contribute to the Institute's IP portfolio. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and is based in the UK, with a focus on long-term impact and collaboration.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative research environment

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Qualifications

• Significant experience of industry engagement and networking.
• In-depth understanding of processes surrounding commercialisation.
• Experience in working with researchers to find commercial routes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a pipeline of commercialisation opportunities.
• Build and manage industry partnerships.
• Contribute to the development and management of the Institute's IP portfolio.

Skills

Networking

Project management

Communication Skills

Strategic Planning

Influencing Skills

Education

Degree in biological/life sciences

Postgraduate qualification in life sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The role of the Commercialisation Manager is to support the Head of BDI in delivering Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation, and Impact Strategies. The successful applicant will bring their own experience, expertise and professional networks to help Earlham to deliver knowledge exchange activities and generate impact.

The main purpose of the job will be to drive commercialisation agenda and play a key role in overseeing various areas of commercialisation operations, including sales support, process optimisation and strategic planning. The job holder main duties will be to provide support to Institute Technology Platforms and the Faculty in developing a portfolio of commercialisation projects, including the delivery of services, contract research, collaboration with industry, licensing or spin out, leading to securing new income. The job holder will raise awareness of our capabilities, i.e. expertise and service offerings among relevant external stakeholders through networking, organising visits to the Institute, attending exhibitions, using online scouting platforms. Commercialisation manager will also lead on developing efficient internal processes for commercial project management and administration, working closely with Technology Platforms, BDI team, and other operational teams.

The role will also support the delivery of impact strategies and plans related to commercialisation and working with industry, contribute towards developing and maintaining IP portfolio, and support development of the KEC and entrepreneurial skills and culture among EI colleagues.

Key Relationships

Internal: Reporting to the Head of Business Development & Impact, the Business Development and Impact Manager will be a member of the Operations Division and will work closely with all EI staff, students and collaborators. Key relations will be needed with leads of the Institute Strategic Programmes, National Bioscience Research Infrastructure leads, Technology Platforms managers, and executive members. The post holder will work closely with institute support functions such as contracts and finance, industrial partners, funders and investors.

External: Enterprise and Business Development champions on Norwich Research Park and other KEC Networks. Funding agencies, Research Councils, e.g. BBSRC, Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation, Government Departments, Local Government and charitable organisations. Representatives from local and national business organisations. Industrial Partners and Collaborators. Investors. Other academic organisations.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Identify opportunities to develop new products and services, technology licensing, and spin out, leading to securing new income for the Institute. 20
Develop a portfolio of external relationships and networks within relevant industry sectors, with a view to raise the profile of the institute, raise awareness of our capabilities, through networking, organising visits for companies, investors, and Government agencies. attending exhibitions, use of scouting platforms. 10
Promote awareness of the importance of IP protection among EI colleagues. Work closely with inventors on IP disclosure and IP protection processes, liaising closely with Head of Business Development, IP attorneys, colleagues from contracts and legal functions. 10
Lead on the development of efficient internal processes for commercial project management and sales. 10
Provide coordination and project management for the delivery of collaborative research and sponsored research projects with industry. 10
Diligently record all engagement activities with external stakeholders and KEC/impact activities through internal information management systems. 10
Report regularly producing oral and written reports on complex or detailed specialist information in relation to project and portfolio activity, including on KEC and impact activities, and IP management. 10
Support planning and delivery of KEC training events, Industry Seminar Programme, and mentoring, supporting the development of entrepreneurship and commercialisation skills among staff. 10
Support impact planning, delivery, and reporting for activities related to commercialisation, working closely with the leads of the Institute Strategic Programmes, National Bioscience Research Infrastructure leads. 5
As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post. 5

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance Educated to degree level in the biological or life sciences, or significant and relevant work experience in the life science sector Essential Postgraduate qualification in a life science subject Desirable Professional qualification or equivalent training in technology transfer, knowledge exchange, intellectual property management, or producing and negotiating legal or research contracts. Desirable Formal project management qualification Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance In-depth understanding of processes surrounding commercialisation of research including the appreciation of the drivers, constraints and working practices of organisations in the life sciences sectors. Essential Experience in working with researchers to find commercial routes to market for knowledge / IP and have successfully led the commercialisation / implementation of technology or IP. Essential Understanding of how Intellectual Property is developed and managed in an academic environment. Good understanding of the patent process. Essential Demonstrable project management skills with ability to coordinate a range of different stakeholders and complex relationships. Essential Analytical skills - Ability to extract data and information from a wide variety of sources, to organise and manage data and information and report on findings to the relevant audience verbally and in writing. Essential Ability to read and interpret legal contracts. Desirable Good knowledge and practical experience of financial management (i.e. development of quotations, understanding of profit, budget, etc.) Desirable Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Projects) and contact management databases and reporting tools. Desirable Experience of working with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large multinational companies. Desirable Experience of working in product development or technical sales roles Desirable Up-to-date knowledge of innovation and knowledge exchange funding landscape in the UK and support infrastructure for innovators, such as Knowledge Transfer Network, Growth Hubs, Accelerators. Desirable

Requirement Importance Significant experience of industry engagement and networking with a range of stakeholders including private and public sector organisations. Essential Ability to lead commercial negotiations, review legal contracts and see the bigger picture in commercial partnerships. Essential Experience of scoping out value propositions, costing services and producing quotations, producing budgets and KPIs to track income generation. Essential Significant experience of initiating, planning and managing projects, coordination of collaborative working with external stakeholders and demonstrable experience of supporting a portfolio of projects and processes associated with research commercial Essential Practical understanding of product innovation and technology commercialisation processes. Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using own initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Experience planning, organising and delivering large scale meetings, training events or workshops including the ability to facilitate event and discussions. Essential Significant experience in developing processes for commercial project management including the use of sales platforms and project management tools, as well as liaising with other colleagues on developing new processes and standard operating procedure Essential Experience and skill in the management and exploitation of intellectual property, working with patent attorneys, conducting market research to understand potential value of IP, scoping out licensing and spinout opportunities. Desirable Experience of working within a commercial, translational role within a private sector organisation. Desirable Experience of working in an academic ‘technology transfer’ environment preferably working in a knowledge exchange and commercialisation environment including establishing, developing and managing high level relationship with partners and stakeholders Desirable Experience of working on the development of national and international grant applications, with some knowledge of external funding from UKRI or other public funding bodies. Desirable Experience of working in customer relations and sales roles. Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Communication - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with academic and industry staff at all levels. Ability to translate technical content into accessible communication for non-technical a Essential Communication - Excellent presentation skills and experience. Essential Influencing skills - well-developed persuasion and influencing skills, coupled with the ability to present positive image of self, and the Institute. Essential Interpersonal Skills - Demonstrable ability to relate to, and work closely with, academic researchers and industry, investors and other stakeholders to develop new reputational and commercial opportunities Essential The ability to work and network with enthusiasm, working collaboratively with other professionals both internally with academics and operational staff, and with external stakeholders outside the Institute. Essential Project Management and Prioritisation - A proactive self-starter capable of supporting a portfolio of evolving projects. Ability to prioritise and use judgement to progress projects with the greatest chance of making a significant financial, social o Essential Innovation and Agility - Ability to be creative and innovative within the corporate framework. Ability to be flexible and adapt plans at a very short notice depending on operational needs and external factors. Ability to be flexible in delivering wor Essential Organisational Skills - Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to work on multiple projects to deadlines under pressure. Essential Team Working - Ability to work within a team, including supporting other projects for the wider good of the aims of the team. Essential Problem Solving - An ability to solve problems and take decisions relating to their portfolio of projects and escalating to more senior staff as appropriate. Essential Skilled at dealing with difficult people and situations. Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Requirement to travel extensively both in the UK and oversees, and attend and host events. Essential A commitment to Professional development and learning new IT programmes and tools. Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours. Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential

Who We Are

About the Earlham Institute The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.

We are building a future where the biology of any organism can be understood by analysing its genome. Our mission is to decode the scale and complexity of living systems so we can understand, benefit from, and protect life on Earth.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

Our Science Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure. We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe. Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture The Earlham Institute champions 'team science'. Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

The aim of the Business Development and Impact Team is to support Earlham in translating our research and realising impact through working with local, national, and international partners to deliver commercial, environmental, cultural and place-based benefits.

About the Business Development and Impact Team

• Identify and develop research with strong commercial and translational potential
• Build collaborative R&D projects with industry and the public sector
• Support consultancy, contract research, licensing and spin-out creation
• Manage external partnerships, networks and stakeholder relationships
• Deliver mentoring and training to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and confidence across EI

About the role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to help translate world-leading life science research into real-world impact through supporting consultancy, contract research, licensing and spin‑out creation.

Reporting to the Head of Business Development and Impact, you will play a key role in delivering the Institute’s Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation and Impact strategies, helping to generate new income streams and maximise the social and economic value of our research.

As Commercialisation Manager, you will:

• Develop and deliver a pipeline of commercialisation opportunities, including:
  • Contract research and consultancy
  • Industry collaborations
  • Licensing agreements
  • Spin‑out company formation
• Contribute to the development and management of the Institute’s IP portfolio
• Design and implement efficient internal processes for commercial project management and administration
• Build and manage industry partnerships and key stakeholder relationships
• Promote Earlham Institute’s capabilities, expertise and service offerings to external organisations
• Support the delivery of research impact through commercial activity and industry engagement
• Contribute to the development of knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial skills and culture across the Institute

You will also support wider impact objectives by engaging with businesses, funders and investors, and by enhancing the Institute’s reputation and external profile.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should be educated to a degree level in life sciences, preferably at post‑graduate level, or have significant and relevant work experience in the life science sector.

You should have previous experience in assessing technologies and intellectual property for commercialisation potential and a track record of supporting new product and service development. Experience leading or supporting the commercialisation of research and intellectual property is essential, as are strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication, networking and relationship‑building skills
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including academics, industry partners and senior leaders
• The ability to influence, negotiate and persuade
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities and evolving organisational needs
• Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, personalities and disciplines, and across different levels of seniority
• A proactive, self‑motivated and collaborative approach to work

You will bring your own expertise, insight and professional networks to help Earlham Institute expand its commercial activity and deliver lasting impact.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £45,450 to £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

There will be two‑stage interview process, with informal interview taking place in January, and face‑to‑face interviews taking place in February 2026, although the exact dates are to be confirmed.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.earlham.ac.uk/ or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or [e-mail] quoting reference 1005018.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 8th January 2026.