Commercialisation Manager

Commercialisation Manager

We are embarking on an ambitious new phase in our research strategy to strengthen the translation and commercialisation of discoveries arising from ARUK-funded research. Our aim is to help more promising research progress towards patient benefit by supporting the development of innovative therapies, diagnostics, technologies, datasets and other research outputs with commercial potential. This will include establishing robust oversight of commercialisation activity across our portfolio and helping selected opportunities progress towards onward investment, partnership or adoption.

The Commercialisation Manager will play a central role in delivering this strategy. Working across the Research Directorate and with external stakeholders, the postholder will identify, evaluate and monitor commercialisation opportunities arising from ARUK-funded research, support the implementation of governance and decision-making processes, and build relationships with universities, technology transfer offices (TTOs), investors and industry partners.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape ARUK's commercialisation approach and contribute to accelerating progress towards life-changing breakthroughs for people affected by dementia.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead commercialisation oversight across ARUK's research portfolio

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of ARUK's funded research portfolio and identify opportunities with commercialisation potential.
• Establish and maintain systems to monitor the emergence and progression of commercially relevant research outputs from ARUK-funded research.
• Monitor the progress of spin-outs, licensing opportunities, partnerships and other translational activities across the portfolio.
• Analyse and prioritise opportunities based on scientific merit, strategic alignment, potential patient benefit and commercial readiness.
• Prepare reports, analyses and recommendations for senior leadership and governance groups.

Support the implementation of ARUK's commercialisation strategy

• Support the establishment and operation of internal commercialisation governance processes and review mechanisms.

Develop and maintain policies, procedures and guidance relating to commercialisation activity, ensuring they remain proportionate, clear and aligned with ARUK's governance requirements.

• Work collaboratively across the Research Directorate to embed commercialisation considerations into ARUK's funding programmes and strategic initiatives.
• Support the development of reporting mechanisms that provide visibility of commercialisation activity and impact across the research portfolio.

Support proof-of-concept investment activities

• Help identify opportunities suitable for proof-of-concept funding and commercial acceleration support.
• Manage internal and external review processes, including engagement with subject matter experts and advisors.
• Monitor supported opportunities against agreed milestones and objectives.
• Contribute to due diligence processes and investment recommendations.
• Support the preparation of papers and materials for commercialisation and investment review meetings.

Build and manage strategic relationships

• Develop strong relationships with universities, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), research institutions and commercialisation professionals.
• Build and maintain networks across the life sciences ecosystem, including investors, industry partners, accelerators and innovation organisations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across ARUK to identify and develop partnership opportunities that support the charity's mission.

Support and nurture entrepreneurship within the dementia research community

• Contribute to initiatives that encourage and support researchers to explore commercialisation pathways.
• Identify gaps in the current support landscape and recommend opportunities to strengthen researcher support.
• Develop resources, guidance and best practice materials to support researchers and institutions navigating commercialisation processes.
• Promote awareness of commercialisation opportunities and routes to translation among ARUK-funded researchers.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

Degree (or equivalent experience) in life sciences, biomedical sciences, business, innovation management or a related field

Experience working in research commercialisation, technology transfer, business development, innovation management or a related field

Understanding of intellectual property, licensing, spin-out creation and translational research pathways

Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects and deliverables.

Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and draw meaningful insights.

Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, including the confidence to challenge assumptions and identify risks or opportunities.

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Ability to communicate findings and recommendations clearly to a range of stakeholders.

Experience managing multiple priorities and working effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining an independent and objective perspective.

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.

Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 15th November 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are 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, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer's Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.