Senior​/Innovation Manager

Join to apply for the Senior / Innovation Manager role at UK Dementia Research Institute

Interviews:
There will be a two-stage process comprising of an online interview and an in-person.

In-person interview: 27 January 2026

Closing date for applications: 7 January 2026

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute with a community of c. 1000 researchers investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

Join us as Senior / Innovation Manager and take the lead in transforming ground-breaking neurodegeneration research into tangible solutions that change lives.

In this dynamic role, you’ll drive the commercialisation of cutting-edge discoveries. From early-stage concepts to industry partnerships, technology transfer, and market-ready innovations. Working at the intersection of science, business, and investment, you’ll collaborate with researchers, clinicians, investors, and external partners to maximise the societal and commercial potential of our discoveries.

• Drive commercialisation: Work with world-leading dementia researchers to commercialise new technologies in diagnosis, treatment, and care, including licensing deals, spin-out formation, and strategic partnerships with not for profit and industry.
• Strategic partnerships
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  Work with key UK DRI stakeholders to create, manage and deploy multi-disciplinary projects.
• Portfolio management: work with the innovation team and manage the portfolio of innovation projects, from initial discussion to successful translational outcomes. Maintain accurate records of the portfolio using a diverse range of portfolio management tools and participate in reporting activities.
• Due diligence & project evaluation: Conduct IP and market evaluation on disclosures, working closely with Host Universities' Technology Transfer Offices.
• Contract negotiation: Lead negotiations for licensing, spin-out formation, partnerships and other collaboration contracts, working with the UK DRI Contracts Manager and external legal counsel.
• Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships across the UK DRI centres, host university technology transfer and technology research offices, and key stakeholders and strategic partners.
• Legal & compliance: Ensure compliance with institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks, specially for IP and commercialisation. Ensure that agreements are in place to support opportunity development.
• External representation: Represent the UK DRI at external meetings, networking events, and conferences, deputising as required.
• Business development: Promote the UK DRI portfolio in partnering events, prepare and participate in showcases and connect potential investors and partners with UK DRI research.
• Strategic review: Conduct regular reviews of translation and commercialisation activities, identifying key advancements, stakeholders and opportunities in the dementia and neurodegeneration field.
• Funding support: Identify funding opportunities and assist in preparing applications for translational funding where appropriate.

To excel in this role, we’re seeking a proactive, strategic thinker with:

• Proven experience: A strong background in technology transfer, life sciences commercialisation, investment, or business development, ideally within neurodegeneration or brain health.
• Commercial acumen: The ability to evaluate complex research, spot commercial potential, and navigate intellectual property, licensing, and spin-out processes.
• Stakeholder savvy: Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences—from scientists to investors.
• Project leadership: A track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously, balancing scientific rigour with business pragmatism.
• Communication excellence: Clear, compelling written and verbal skills, with the confidence to represent the UK DRI at all levels.
• Adaptability: Will…