TSL Ventures Commercialisation Co-ordinator at The Sainsbury Laboratory

TSL Ventures aims to build the structures to enable The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) to protect its own intellectual property, carry out proof-of-concept studies, train entrepreneurial scientists, and launch new companies.

The aim of TSL Ventures is to develop multiple avenues to develop ideas and commercial development of discoveries originating at TSL. These include IP licensing, spin-out company creation, industrial partnerships, joint-ventures and collaborations. For further information please visit https://www.tsl.ac.uk/our-work/tsl-ventures.

The TSL Ventures Co-ordinator will support the TSL Ventures Executive across a wide range of development activities split across the following areas:

• Building a growing pipeline of IP-based commercialisation opportunities across TSL Ventures
• Co-ordinating and developing, with appropriate training, IP and IPR guidance, opportunity identification and portfolio management
• Developing the technology transfer / commercialisation capability, capacity, and culture at TSL
• Working closely with partners to ensure successful commercialisation of IP opportunities.
• The TSL Ventures co-ordinator will also oversee major industrial contracts and research programmes led by TSL, such as the Gatsby Wheat Rust Research Programme
• Project management duties include developing a positive commercialisation culture and co-ordinating Intellectual Property and Trademark protection in conjunction with external legal expertise
• Financial oversight of project income and expenditure to ensure appropriate distribution of funds to international project partners by TSL.
• Coordination of delivery of project objectives in consultation with project partners
• Providing governance and administrative services, to include organisation of Project Advisory Board meetings and the Annual Science Meeting

The Co-ordinator role requires project management experience, good organisational skills and the ability to communicate at all levels, including with senior international scientists operating in diverse countries across the world, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. A sound knowledge of agricultural biotechnology is highly desirable.

Employment type: 3-year initial contract, with possibility of extension and promotion subject to funding

Employment basis: Full-time

Line Management: reporting to the Executive Director and TSL Ventures Executive Board                                                                                                            

Qualifications and Experience

Education to Post-doctoral level in a scientific field together with an understanding of, and interest in, the Intellectual Property and Patenting regulatory framework.  An enthusiasm for plant and microbial science and its application to biotechnology and agriculture. 

The ability to spot opportunities for commercialisation from a diverse portfolio of scientific research, ranging from pharmaceutical/clinical applications to agricultural biotechnology is required for this role. A keen interest, or experience of entrepreneurial activities such as start-ups, or commercial research projects, is also required. 

Candidates should provide evidence of having the drive to develop a culture of IP awareness and commercial activity within a research organisation. 

Further personal development in Intellectual Property Law and Patenting will be provided as required. 

Desirable

Prior experience in commercialisation of scientific discoveries.

Experience of working on projects with multiple partners across different countries

Direct experience in biotechnology industries 

Starting Salary: University East Anglia Grade 7/8 £37,099 – £45,737 depending on relevant experience 

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) is a world leader in plant and microbial science that is dedicated to making fundamental discoveries in the science of plant-microbe interactions. TSL has expanded its scientific mission not only to continue providing fundamental biological insights into plant-pathogen interactions, but also to deliver novel, genomics-based solutions that will significantly reduce losses from major crop diseases, especially in developing countries.   

We offer 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme and the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge.  We are located on an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and we provide a supportive working environment for all colleagues. 

Informal enquries please contact:

Debbie Feather: debbie.feather@tsl.ac.uk or Nick Talbot nick.talbot@tsl.ac.uk 

Please send formal applications, quoting the relevant reference.  Applicants should provide a CV, including the names and contact details of two or more referees, and a covering letter of no more than one A4 addressing the selection criteria. Apply online at TSL.ac.uk via the ‘Apply’ button above.