Research Translation Manager

4,000 professionals, 0 days wasted, 1 incredible purpose. Together we are beating cancer.

Research Translation Manager

Salary:  £50,000 - £58,000 Pro Rata depending on experience

Reports to: Associate Director – Search & Evaluation

Department: Research & Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time 28 hours per week over 4 days

Location: Institute of Cancer Research, London with flexibility (we would expect you to be in the office on average 3 days per week and will include some travel to our head office in Stratford, London)

Closing date: Sunday 27th  April at 23.55. This vacancy may close earlier if a high number of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found, so please do not delay submitting your application to avoid any disappointment Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.  

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We have a new exciting opportunity for a Translation Manager to join the Cancer Research Horizons, Search and Evaluation team (S&E). The S&E team is distributed geographically to provide highly visible and frontline support to all Cancer Research UK (CRUK) funded researchers across the UK. In this role, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of plans for translation of CRUK funded research within the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The ICR BIO team is based primarily in Sutton, with additional sites in Chelsea (123 Old Brompton Road) and South Kensington (237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB). Your role involves working with oncology researchers to identify promising projects and technologies, set intellectual property strategies, and drive development in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

About the team

Cancer Research Horizons is the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, translating cutting-edge innovations into effective treatments and diagnostics for cancer patients. With exclusive rights to CRUK’s annual investment of over £300 million in world-class cancer research, we’re a powerful partner in the fight to conquer cancer. We’re currently the second largest oncology out-licensor globally, and to date we’ve played an instrumental role in forming over 60 startup companies, and bringing 14 new cancer drugs to market, with 6 million doses administered to cancer patients all over the world.

S&E is the front-line team of Cancer Research Horizons, working with researchers across the UK to identify and develop research discoveries that can be translated into innovations that will impact the lives of cancer patients.

What will I be doing?

• Develop a deep understanding of the cancer research landscape within the designated region/institution.

• Build and maintain strong, integrated relationships with senior oncology researchers and technology transfer offices in the designated institution.

• Act as a primary point of contact for oncology researchers with Cancer Research Horizons.

• Proactively identify and assess invention disclosures with potential patient impact through researcher interactions.

• Conduct due diligence and scientific/commercial evaluations of disclosures, seeking expert input as needed.

• Present promising technology development opportunities to internal governance boards for approval.

• Collaborate with researchers and colleagues to develop and implement project plans, securing funding and setting clear milestones.

• Protect and manage intellectual property associated with projects.

• Develop marketing materials for technologies in partnership with CRH Business Development colleagues (BD).

• Support contract negotiation and management in coordination with BD and Legal teams.

• Within your institution(s) promote the benefits of translation and provide translational research advice and support to researchers, including sign posting to potential funding mechanisms, as applicable.

• Contribute to strategic initiatives that foster an entrepreneurial and innovative culture in oncology research.

• Maintain good relationships with researchers and stakeholders at designated institutions.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives across the region.

• Facilitate collaborative opportunities across the UK by working with other Search & Evaluation (S&E) teams.

• Play an active role as a member of the CRUK Research & Innovation regional group.

What skills are we looking for?

• PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific or healthcare discipline, ideally oncology/technology-related

• Experience or knowledge of translating discovery research and pre-clinical science with extensive experience 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

• Understanding/basic experience of the patent filing and prosecution process in a range of technology areas

• Some experience of negotiating research-related contracts including MTAs, research collaboration agreements etc

• Ability to drive an entrepreneurial spirit and think creatively

• Quickly understand scientific and technical concepts and translate them into commercially viable proposals.

• Effectively engage with key stakeholders, demonstrating influencing skills, persistence, and tenacity when needed.

• Exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) to build and maintain relationships.

• Identify strategies for technology transfer to industry.

• Collaborate within cross-functional teams to achieve scientific and operational goals

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. 

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination   

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism    

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people   

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively 

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. 

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. 

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page. 

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.

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.