Strategic Partnerships Manager

The Earlham Institute is a leading centre for life science research, training, and innovation, exploring the natural world through the power of genomics and bioinformatics. Our researchers specialise in data-intensive biological science, developing and applying cutting-edge computational and biotechnological tools to decode living systems and predict biological functions.

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We partner with academic institutions, industry, and policymakers to maximise research impact. Our dedication to knowledge exchange, commercialisation, and innovation ensures our discoveries benefit society, industry, and the global scientific community.

The role:

As the Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will play a key role in developing and managing partnerships with industry, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.

You will be a key part of the Business Development and Impact Team, supporting the implementation of the institute’s Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation, and Impact Strategies, ensuring that our research translates into societal and economic benefits.

Working closely with researchers, industry leaders, and funding bodies, you will identify collaboration opportunities, manage intellectual property (IP), support commercialisation efforts, and foster an entrepreneurial culture within the institute.

Key Responsibilities include:

• partnership development & knowledge exchange, nurturing strategic partnerships with academic and industry
• managing collaborations and provide coordination and project management, and facilitating stakeholder engagement
• identification and protection of intellectual property and supporting commercialisation
• supporting translation of research to maximise the societal, economic, and environmental impact of research
• supporting development of skills and experience among researchers in developing business engagement, entrepreneurial, and commercialisation skills.

The Business Development and Impact Team manages strategic processes, networks, and partnerships that enable researchers to share their expertise and maximise the social and economic impact of their work. By fostering connections with industry, academia, and funding bodies, the team ensures the institute’s research translates into real-world applications and benefits.

The ideal candidate:

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, proactive professional with experience in partnership development, knowledge exchange, and commercialisation in the life sciences sector.

Candidates should be educated to degree level in life sciences, preferably at postgraduate level, or have significant relevant work experience in the life sciences sector.

They should have significant experience in partnership development, commercialisation, or knowledge exchange, and in developing strategic plans for knowledge exchange and impact.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to identify, establish, and manage high-level collaborations with industry and academic partners, plus strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable experience includes a postgraduate degree in a life sciences-related field, and a professional qualification or training in technology transfer, IP management, or project management.

Additional information:

• Occasional travel and evening event attendance may be required. Salary on appointment will be within the range £44,500 to £55,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
• This is a full-time indefinite post.
• This post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
• Interviews will be held w/c 9 June 2025.
• The closing date for applications will be 23:59 on 26 May 2025.
• As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

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