Business Development Manager
Job Description
Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
We are growing our capability to translate the extraordinary research of the Sanger institute towards impactful products and services. We are now recruiting an experienced Business Development Manager to join us in the Innovation and Impact Department at Wellcome Sanger Institute. The role sits within the Business Development group alongside industry partnership and venture functions in the Innovation and Business Engagement team.
About the Role:
The Business Development Manager role is to source, develop and partner translation opportunity arising from Sanger science for onward development for societal benefit. The role holder will interact with scientific teams, identifying translation opportunity, driving IP strategy, supporting technology development, and building attractive licensing packages ready to partner with industry, R&D partners, or, working with venture formation colleagues, with our spin out companies.
You will be responsible for:
You will work closely with our faculty to identify, develop and progress translational opportunities arising from Sanger research, supporting the dissemination and impact of scientific outputs through appropriate commercialisation and partnering routes. You will be responsible for a portfolio of business development projects managing each actively from opportunity assessment through to deal completion, operating independently on defined projects while escalating more complex or high-value matters appropriately.
About You:
You will have a strong understanding of intellectual property and recommend IP strategy, technology development pathways and commercial paths for designated assets, working closely with scientists, internal teams and external partners to deliver effective licensing.
You will be passionate about science and a team player, working in partnership with the Business Development team to deliver a wider business development pipeline in line with the Institute’s translation objectives.
Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
Expertise of all aspects of IP prosecution from filing patent applications through to post grant maintenance
Expertise of commercial licensing in the context of an academic or industrial setting
Good knowledge of at least two of IP, data, biological resources, or software licensing
Demonstrable experience in Business Development, including identifying opportunities, building relationships, and supporting the development of strategic partnerships.
Experience of performing and recording due diligence and opportunity evaluation packages
Track record of developing good working relationships with multiple stakeholders across academia and industry
Experience of managing IP packages
Experience of leading on some negotiation and assisting others as part of a deal team.
Significant experience of biomedical research in an academic and/or industrial setting
Excellent prioritisation skills/proficiency in managing multiple projects
Skilled in the formulation and implementation of licensing strategies
Excellent influencing and written and verbal communication skills
Exceptional team player
Strong, clearly rationalised decision-making skills
About Us:
We are a small, supportive, and mission-driven team. We are part of the recently formed Innovation and Impact Department whose role is To amplify scientific excellence, enabling our scientists to deliver the Institute’s mission and accelerating real world impact.
Other Information:
Hybrid role, minimum of 3 days per week on campus
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and how your skills and experience meet the above essential criteria.
Salary per annum: £55,025 - £65,000 Role Profile
Job family: Support and Strategy Grade 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Recruitment Process: Interviews will take place on the 1st, 3rd and 4th of September
Closing date: 9th August 2026
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:
We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks: LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability, Gender Equity and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.
We believe people do their best work when they can be their authentic selves. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits:
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.