4,000 professionals, 0 days wasted, 1 incredible purpose. Together we will beat cancer.
Translation Manager
Salary: £48,000 - £58,000 depending on experience
Reports to: Regional Translation Lead
Department: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week.
Location: Home based contract with a requirement to be based at University of Birmingham (3 days per week) and working from home and other university sites in central region (2 days per week)
Closing date: 21 November 2023
Recruitment process: Presentation and interviews
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Translation Manager to join Cancer Research UK’s Commercial Partnerships (CP) team which is dedicated to the development and commercialisation of innovative research. The team accelerates the translation of new ideas into treatments by bringing together the expertise, capabilities, and resources of CRUK and its academic network with that of industry partners.
Working within the CP Search and Evaluation team and as an active member of University of Birmingham Enterprise Team, you will typically have responsibility for development and implementation of plans for translation of oncology-related research (both CRUK and non-CRUK funded) within the University of Birmingham, principally but the role will also cover additional Universities in the Central Region. This will include project acquisition, active project development, intellectual property management, and providing support on the negotiation of small contracts.
Success in this role means that you will support the translation of new ideas to maximise positive commercial and patient benefit outcomes. You will welcome an intellectual challenge and will be able to quickly understand and provide critical analysis of proposed new projects and define strategies for development of your projects. You will work primarily with, and influence CRUK-funded academics and, where relevant, their technology transfer offices in the areas of drug discovery/development, biomarkers, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health/big data, and research reagents. It will also be important for you to build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholder within the local translation ecosystem.
This role is ideally suited for a highly experienced scientist, with a passion for cancer research and previous hands-on experience of (or qualifications in) technology transfer, looking to transition into a more technology focused/translational role, and/or a technology transfer specialist with a strong scientific background looking to make a real difference for cancer patients.
What will I be doing?
- Accountability for opportunity sourcing and translation of CRUK and non-CRUK-funded discoveries at the University of Birmingham primarily, but also CRUK-funded discoveries at other Universities in the Central region.
- Providing appropriate technology transfer services and managing intellectual property protection for your portfolio projects in a timely manner.
- Supporting the Regional Translation Lead and to build interaction across the Central Region cancer research translation ecosystem.
- Playing an active role as a member of CRUK Research & Innovation regional groupings.
- Supporting management of Key PIs and strategic initiatives in Birmingham and the Central region
- Performing an active role in the development of the Central regional translational project portfolio.
- Building and maintaining strong, integrated relationships with senior management figures and CRUK-funded scientists in Birmingham and Central region.
- Developing a deep understanding of the research landscape in the Birmingham area and identifying increased collaborative and translational funding opportunities to accelerate development of your project portfolio.
- Working with colleagues from other Search and Evaluation regions to proactively seek collaborative and synergistic interactions.
- Supporting CRUK Commercial Partnerships, (including CancerTools) and R&I management with cross department activities as required.
- Providing expert translational advice to scientists, major centres and institutions through a well-developed network and communication links.
- Undertaking routine contract negotiation and management for your projects in liaison with Business Development & Transactions, and Legal colleagues as required.
What skills are you looking for?
- PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific or healthcare discipline, ideally oncology/technology related.
- Strong scientific background ideally focused on cancer research.
- Experience in translating discovery research and pre-clinical science gained in sectors such as medical technologies, diagnostics, healthcare technologies and pharmaceuticals. This experience may have been gained in industry, healthcare, academia or in non-profit organisations.
- Good working knowledge and experience of the patent filing and prosecution process.
- Experience of negotiating research-related contracts including MTAs, research collaboration agreements etc.
- Must have the ability to drive an entrepreneurial spirit and think creatively.
What will I gain?
Every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive.
In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies, and processes to enable you to do your job well.
Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.
We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.
Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.