Technology Transfer Manager (Life Sciences)

One of the top-ranked universities globally, the University of Southampton is an exceptional place where people achieve remarkable things. Outward looking and research-intensive, Southampton has gained prestigious recognition for its wide-ranging successes and history of world-changing achievements.

Research represents the lifeblood of the University of Southampton. It powers everything we do, from our innovative teaching to our growing portfolio of spin-out companies, enabling the development of products and services for the benefit of individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides expert advice and assistance for research funding and contracts, research integrity and governance, technology transfer and the commercialisation of intellectual property, collaboration with industry, and public engagement with research.

We have a strong tradition of enabling researchers to create impact from their research through enterprise activities, particularly from IP licensing, spinout creation and consultancy.

The University:

• is ranked as the top UK University for consultancy income generated (£GBP), operating several highly successful enterprise units;
• has created 77 spinout and start-up companies since 2000 (with four of these having floated on the London AIM stock market) which raised £139m investment in 2020/21;
• has a significant licensing portfolio and in 2020/21 generated £1.3m net licensing income;
• is a founding member of Setsquared, the global no. 1 university business incubator, which is an enterprise partnership of the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey; and
• boasts a fantastic entrepreneurial eco-system with, amongst other components, the Future Worlds on-campus incubator and University of Southampton Science Park, a highly innovative social enterprise (Enactus Southampton) initiative and a large, vibrant Student Enterprise community.

The University of Southampton now has an exciting opportunity for someone to join RIS's successful and dynamic technology transfer team as a Technology Transfer Manager for our life sciences, health and medical disciplines. The successful candidate will be working with a portfolio of projects including pioneering developments in cancer immunology, regenerative medicine, respiratory medicine, epigenetics, cell imaging, next-generation diagnostics, medical devices and drug discovery. We also have a growing portfolio of medical and health-related innovations emanating from our physical sciences and engineering disciplines.

Previous commercial experience is highly desirable but is not essential as long as you can demonstrate the ability to commercially evaluate potential opportunities, form great partnerships with and advise leading University research groups and develop a network with industry for collaboration and licensing. Knowledge of translation and commercialisation in the medical, health and pharmaceutical sectors is a distinct advantage.

In this role:

• You will be driving a wide-ranging portfolio of commercialisation projects to enhance the University's impact, including an objective to further increase our IP income;
• You will build key relationships with senior academic staff in the Faculty of Medicine, the Institute of Life Sciences and other key departments to understand their research expertise and spot new commercialisation opportunities; and
• You will be expected to be a self-starter who enjoys the dynamic challenge of developing and growing new opportunities and to have very strong interpersonal skills to succeed in working in large, collaborative teams.

If you have a relevant science degree, ideally at postgraduate level, or similar qualification with a keen interest or experience in commercialisation then we would like to hear from you.

Our vision and mission at the University of Southampton is to have a community where staff and students feel welcome, supported and valued. RIS fosters a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity, encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds, with the belief that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. Our flexible working practices, including an emerging hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people. For this role candidates will need to be on campus regularly and to be available to attend meetings and events externally as required.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact David Woolley, telephone: 023 8059 8341 or 07723 924922, email: d.woolley@soton.ac.uk

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.