Commercialisation Manager

Applications are invited for a Commercialisation 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 hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics. Our scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

Earlham Institute’s mission is to decode the scale and complexity of living systems so we can understand, benefit from, and protect life on Earth. To achieve our mission, we have set out strategic research themes to accelerate life science research, deliver global societal impact, and put the Earlham Institute at the forefront of advancing knowledge in the era of data-intensive biological research.

About the Business Development and Impact Team

The Business Development and Impact Group (BDI) works across the Institute to:

• Identify and develop research with strong commercial and translational potential
• Build collaborative R&D projects with industry and the public sector
• Support consultancy, contract research, licensing and spin-out creation
• Manage external partnerships, networks and stakeholder relationships
• Deliver mentoring and training to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and confidence across EI

BDI plays a central role in ensuring that Earlham Institute research delivers meaningful impact beyond academia.

About the role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to help translate world-leading life science research into real-world impact through supporting consultancy, contract research, licensing and spin-out creation.

Reporting to the Head of Business Development and Impact, you will play a key role in delivering the Institute’s Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation and Impact strategies, helping to generate new income streams and maximise the social and economic value of our research.

As Commercialisation Manager, you will:

• Develop and deliver a pipeline of commercialisation opportunities, including:
  • Contract research and consultancy
  • Industry collaborations
  • Licensing agreements
  • Spin-out company formation
• Contribute to the development and management of the Institute’s IP portfolio
• Design and implement efficient internal processes for commercial project management and administration
• Build and manage industry partnerships and key stakeholder relationships
• Promote Earlham Institute’s capabilities, expertise and service offerings to external organisations
• Support the delivery of research impact through commercial activity and industry engagement
• Contribute to the development of knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial skills and culture across the Institute

You will also support wider impact objectives by engaging with businesses, funders and investors, and by enhancing the Institute’s reputation and external profile.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should be educated to a degree level in life sciences, preferably at post-graduate level, or have significant and relevant work experience in the life science sector. 

You should have previous experience in assessing technologies and intellectual property for commercialisation potential and a track record of supporting new product and service development. Experience leading or supporting the commercialisation of research and intellectual property is essential, as are strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication, networking and relationship-building skills
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including academics, industry partners and senior leaders
• The ability to influence, negotiate and persuade
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities and evolving organisational needs
• Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, personalities and disciplines, and across different levels of seniority
• A proactive, self-motivated and collaborative approach to work

You will bring your own expertise, insight and professional networks to help Earlham Institute expand its commercial activity and deliver lasting impact.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £45,450 to £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

There will be two-stage interview process, with informal interview taking place in January, and face-to-face interviews taking place in February 2026, although the exact dates are to be confirmed. 

For further information and details of how to apply, please click the apply button or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1005018.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 14 January 2026.