Main Purpose of the Job

Strategic Partnerships Manager will play a key role in developing and managing partnerships with industry, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. The post holder will support the implementation of the institute’s Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation, and Impact Strategies, ensuring translation of our research into societal and economic benefits. Working closely with researchers, industry, and funding bodies, the post holder will identify collaboration opportunities, support commercialisation efforts, and foster an entrepreneurial culture within the institute.

Key Responsibilities include:
•Partnership development and 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.

Key Relationships

Internal: Reporting to the Head of Business Development and Impact, the postholder will be a member of the Operations Division and will work closely with all EI staff and students. Key relations will be needed with group leaders, leads of the Institute Strategic Programmes, National Bioscience Research Infrastructure leads, and Research Faculty Office. The post holder will work closely with institute support functions such as contracts and finance, industrial partners, and funders.

External: the postholder will liaise with collaborators and partners of EI, colleagues working in Knowledge Exchange and Business Development functions on Norwich Research Park, external KEC Networks, funding agencies, e.g. BBSRC, Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation, Government Departments, Local Government, representatives from local and national business organisations, and other academic organisations.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Partnership Development & Knowledge Exchange:
- Identify, establish, and nurture strategic partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders to support research translation and impact.
- Manage ongoing collaborations, ensuring alignment with the institute’s mission and research priorities.
- Manage internal funding competitions and awards that support knowledge exchange and commercialisation initiatives.
 -Represent the institute at external meetings, conferences, and networking events to strengthen partnerships.

30

Project & Stakeholder Management:
- Provide coordination and project management support for collaborative research initiatives.
- Ensure effective communication between internal teams and external partners, facilitating smooth project execution and reporting.
- Organise stakeholder engagement events, including workshops and meetings, to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange.

30

Impact Strategy & Reporting:
- Develop and implement actionable plans to maximise the societal, economic, and environmental impact of research.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to partnership engagement, commercialisation, and knowledge exchange.
- Prepare reports, case studies, and communication materials to showcase the impact of research collaborations.

20

Intellectual Property & Commercialisation:
- Work closely with researchers to identify and protect intellectual property, liaising with IP attorneys and legal teams.
- Support the commercialisation of research findings through licensing, spin-offs, and industry partnerships.
- Promote awareness of IP protection and commercialisation pathways among researchers.

10

Training & Capacity Building:
- Support researchers in developing business engagement, entrepreneurial, and commercialisation skills.
- Provide mentoring, training, and resources to build capacity in knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.

10

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Degree in the biological or life sciences, or significant and relevant work experience in the life science sector.

Essential

Postgraduate degree in a life science subject.

Desirable

Professional qualification or equivalent training in technology transfer, knowledge exchange, intellectual property management, project management, contract or legal training.

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

In-depth understanding of processes surrounding knowledge exchange and commercialisation of research in the life sciences sectors.

Essential

Good analytical skills with ability to organise and manage information and produce reports for different audiences.

Essential

Understanding of IP protection, patenting, and commercialisation in an academic setting.

Desirable

Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Projects) and contact management databases and reporting tools.

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience in partnership development, commercialisation, or knowledge exchange in the life sciences sector.

Essential

Significant experience of project management and coordination between multiple stakeholders.

Essential

Experience in planning, delivering and facilitating workshops, events, and networking activities.

Essential

Experience in securing grant funding and writing research bids.

Desirable

Familiarity with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), BBSRC, Innovate UK, and other funding bodies.

Desirable

Experience identifying commercial opportunities from research outcomes.

Desirable

Experience in reviewing legal contracts and leading negotiations with partners.

Desirable

Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for knowledge exchange and impact.

Desirable

Experience working with funding agencies, government bodies, and research organisations.

Desirable

Experience working with startups, SMEs, or large multinational companies.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to be flexible and adapt plans depending on operational needs, external and internal technological and personal factors.

Essential

Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects effectively.

Essential

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical content for diverse audiences.

Essential

Excellent interpersonal, networking, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Essential

A proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Essential

Ability to work effectively within a team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Willingness to contribute to shared goals by assisting with other projects, ensuring the collective success of the team and the wider institute.

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

A commitment to professional development.

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required and occasionally attend and host evening events

Essential

Demonstrates a strong commitment to the institute’s values and professional behaviours, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Strives to make the institute an exceptional place to work.

Essential

Projects a positive and professional image of both self and the institute, actively contributing to its international reputation and public engagement efforts. Acts as an ambassador for the institute in all interactions.

Essential

Willingness to travel as required, including occasional out-of-hours commitments and short periods away from home, to support collaborations, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Desirable

Earlham Institute

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.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

Our Vision and Mission

Our Strategy

Our Culture

Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Business Development and Impact Group

Group Details

The Business Development and Impact (BDI) Team plays a crucial role in advancing the institute’s mission by supporting both research and operational teams in developing new and strengthening existing areas of research with high commercialisation potential. The team facilitates the creation of collaborative R&D projects with industry and other stakeholders through consultancy, contract research, and grant funding.
BDI is responsible for managing strategic processes, networks, and partnerships that enable our 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 that the institute’s research translates into real-world applications and benefits.
Additionally, BDI provides mentorship and training to empower EI colleagues with the skills and confidence needed to engage with industry, develop partnerships, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. Through these initiatives, the team helps researchers bridge the gap between scientific discovery and innovation, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and impact.

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Applications are invited for a Strategic Partnerships Manager to join the Business Development and Impact Group at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

About Earlham Institute

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.

We advance genomics and bioinformatics to tackle pressing global challenges, including sustainability, biodiversity loss, food security, and human health. By integrating life sciences, computational biology, and biotechnology, we drive discovery, develop transformative technologies, and translate research into real-world applications.

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.

About the Business Development and Impact (BDI) Team

The BDI Team plays a crucial role in advancing the institute’s mission by supporting research and operational teams in developing and strengthening areas with high commercialisation potential. The team facilitates collaborative R&D projects with industry and other stakeholders through consultancy, contract research, and grant funding.

BDI 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.

Additionally, BDI provides mentorship and training to empower EI colleagues with the skills and confidence to engage with industry, build partnerships, and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. These initiatives help researchers bridge the gap between scientific discovery and innovation, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and impact.

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 support 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 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.

Why Join Us

Be part of a world-leading institute driving cutting-edge genomics and bioinformatics research, working on impactful projects tackling global challenges in food security, sustainability, and biodiversity. Engage with leading scientists, industry pioneers, and policy influencers to shape the future of knowledge exchange and commercialisation in life sciences. If you're passionate about research translation, knowledge exchange, and partnership development, we’d love to hear from you!

How to apply

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004883.

The closing date for applications will be 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.