Strategic Partnerships Manager

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.