The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
Organisation position and purpose
The role is embedded within the Research and Innovation Department, which is made up of a range of diverse, dynamic, responsive, and professional support and enabling teams.
The R&I Department provides dedicated, specialist support throughout the research and innovation ecosystem and lifecycle, helping to sustain, facilitate, enable, and advance Pirbright’s position and culture as a leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and resourceful individual to help grow the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation team (KEC), which provides the Institute with the necessary support and continuity for existing technology transfer and commercialisation activities. You will play an active role in supporting a wide range of knowledge exchange and impact activities, including supporting research collaborations, identifying, and managing intellectual property, research contracts, and compliance with relevant regulations.
You will report to the Knowledge Exchange Manager, and will collaborate closely with various internal teams, such as the Grants Administration, Finance, and research groups.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for research contracts, which will include:
1. Drafting and negotiating research contracts with commercial partners, non-governmental Agencies, universities, and public sector organisations.
2. Ensuring research contracts comply with applicable legislation.
3. Working closely with research and operational departments to ensure contracts reflect the Institute’s needs, obligations, and restrictions.
4. Ensure accurate and complete records and documentation of research contracts.
Support the management of the Institute’s knowledge exchange and impact activities, which will include:
1. Identifying and assisting the management of intellectual property arising from the Institute’s research.
2. Facilitating collaborations, licences, and other engagement with industry and other partners to maximise the Institute’s impact, giving due consideration to the Trusted Research and Innovation agenda.
3. Develop, facilitate, and support KEC initiatives, such as commercial activities.
4. Working with internal and external stakeholders to capture and monitor impact generated by the Institute’s research, facilities, and expertise.
Support the Institute’s compliance with the Nagoya Protocol and other applicable legislation by:
1. Contributing to establishing internal compliance processes.
2. Advising research groups on the legal requirements.
3. Supporting research groups to obtain necessary approvals.
4. Maintaining accurate and complete records of due diligence activities.
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.
Personal Specification
We are looking for a highly motivated and resourceful self-starter that can work both independently and in collaboration with the wider team in a fast-moving environment. Time management skills, reliability under pressure, decision making and problem-solving skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. The post holder should also have capacity to travel within the UK with occasional overnight stays.
Essential/Desirable requirements
1. Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences subject or equivalent experience.
2. Public sector or commercial life sciences experience.
3. Ability to influence and persuade through written and oral means.
4. Highly organised with an ability to prioritise work and work to strict deadlines.
5. IT skills in particular Microsoft packages including (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
6. Highly developed negotiation and conciliation skills.
7. Experience with research contract drafting or negotiations.
8. Experience in IP management or commercialisation.
Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What we offer
Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
Buy and sell annual leave.
Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
Pirbright social club.
Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
Cycle to work.
Subsidised employee restaurant.
Childcare allowance.
Free onsite parking.
Electric car charging facilities.
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.
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