Knowledge Manager

Knowledge Exchange Manager– 25P-028

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £48,000 - £49,500 per annum

Permanent

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application closing date: 07/08/2025

Please send your cv alongside a cover letter to [email protected]

Before applying, please consider all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK

About the Pirbright institute

The Pirbright institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

Embedded within the Business Development team, an integral part of the Research and Innovation department, the position of Knowledge Exchange Manager plays a key role in maximising the Institute’s knowledge exchange and commercialisation (KEC) activities, while fostering a culture of impact and navigating a complex funding and relationship landscape. We pride ourselves on our collaborative and integrated approach, focused on enabling KEC to translate our research, skills, and expertise into tangible benefits.

The postholder will line-manage a small team of KEC professionals and oversee daily operational KEC functions, such as intellectual property management, negotiating research contracts, and maintaining and supporting positive relationships with industrial and other strategic partners. They will also act as a key contact, providing advice and support to researchers and other internal experts on all matters related to KEC.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a broad and varied role. The Institute has a strong culture of supporting the professional development of employees, and all team members are actively supported through appropriate training and development opportunities where gaps in skills or knowledge are identified. We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every requirement listed. Please feel free to contact us to arrange an informal discussion with the Head of Business Development to discuss the requirements of the role prior to applying.

Main duties and responsibility

Management and leadership, which will include:

Managing the operational activities of the KEC team, including identifying opportunities for optimisation and efficiency within a busy team environment.

• Representing the KEC function and deputising for the Head of Business Development as required, including through active participation in the Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation, and Impact Steering Group.
• Building effective relationships to work collaboratively and share pertinent information with internal stakeholders such as the Impact Manager, Grants Administration, Finance, etc.
• Coordinating internal and external reporting on KEC and associated activities and impacts.

Managing research contracts, which will include:

• Leading on drafting, reviewing and negotiating all types of research contracts, including advising other team members on contract negotiations.
• Keeping up to date with changes in legal and regulatory frameworks affecting research agreements such as Trusted Research and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol, and ensuring contracts align with such requirements and Institute policies .

Intellectual property management, which will include:

• Managing the Institute’s patent portfolio, from liaising with researcher and patent attorneys from invention disclosures to patent applications and engaging and negotiating with potential licensees.
• Providing expert advice to researchers on patenting and other commercial activities such as consulting, contract research, or sale of products.

Industry and partnership engagement, which will include:

• Driving engagement with industry to maximise impact of the Institute’s research, skills and expertise.
• Maintaining existing, and building new, relationships with industry and other strategic partners, and support research groups to build and maintain effective relationships.

Specific requirements

Essential

• Educated to degree level in biological or other relevant discipline
• Proven experience of working with knowledge exchange, technology transfer or research commercialisation within the biological science sector
• Strong experience with drafting and negotiating research contracts
• Solid understanding of intellectual property management and how this is influenced by public and charitable funding
• An understanding of patent management

Desirable

• Knowledge of the animal health sector
• An understanding of the impact agenda within UK research organisations
• An understanding of compliance requirements such as Trusted Research and Innovation and the Nagoya Protocol
• Experience working in a research organisation, university or similar public body
• The ability to grasp the context and understand the background of research projects in order to best advise on IP management, contract management and provide support for engaging with partners

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on [email protected] for an update.