West Cambridge | Fixed term for 18 months before transitioning to lead a portfolio company | Hybrid
Help bring life-changing Therapeutic companies to Market.
Why you will love this role:
Picture yourself contributing to the journey of transforming groundbreaking life sciences research into companies that change lives. As a Venture Manager in the Ventures Team, you’ll collaborate with world-class academics and investors to identify, nurture, and develop high-impact spin-outs.
From sourcing promising opportunities to building rigorous investment cases, you’ll be immersed in all aspects of venture creation. Over the course of this 18-month fixed-term contract, you’ll not only shape the future of multiple spin-outs but also prepare to transition into an operational leadership position within one of these companies.
* Make a difference: Help take cutting-edge therapeutics from lab to market, creating real-world change.
* Learn and grow: Take advantage of Cambridge Enterprise’s deep network in the Cambridge community to develop your deal sourcing, due diligence, and investment experience.
* Shape your future: Move into a leadership position in a high-growth life sciences spin-out.
* Flexible Opportunities: We understand that many of the best qualified candidates may be building their own ventures, consulting, or serving as board members – and we welcome applications from those seeking a part-time or portfolio role.
This isn’t just another role – it’s a chance to be at the forefront of commercialising world-class innovation while preparing yourself for an operational leadership role in a groundbreaking new therapeutics company.
What we're looking for:
We’re looking for someone who’s excited about supporting life sciences innovation and building successful ventures. You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
* Strong life sciences background – Experience in new therapeutics discovery or development, with a degree in a relevant discipline and the ability to engage credibly with academic researchers.
* Financial expertise and fundraising experience – Strong financial skills with a solid understanding of investment processes, ideally with experience in raising funds or syndicating investments in the VC or early-stage venture space.
* Operational readiness – Willingness and capability to transition into an operational leadership role within an emerging spin-out.
* A passion for supporting early-stage ventures – Genuine interest and experience in helping life sciences therapeutics companies succeed.
* Commercial awareness – Understanding of how to translate research into viable spin-outs and identify investment opportunities.
* Investment acumen – Ability to assess opportunities, conduct due diligence, and build rigorous investment cases.
* Strong analytical skills – Comfortable evaluating market potential, competitive landscapes, and business models.
* Judgement and decision-making – Sound judgement to make timely decisions, weighing risks and benefits.
* Project management skills – Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
* Team collaboration – Proven ability to build trust and work effectively with diverse teams, academics, and investors.
Nice to have:
* PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
* Understanding of licensing IP or spinning out new ventures from academic environments.
Diversity and equality matter:
These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they check every single box. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so if you feel you have most of the skills and experience needed, we’d love to hear from you.
If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian, Michelle or Sofia at people@enterprise.cam.ac.uk
Why Cambridge Enterprise?
We are at the heart of Europe's most successful research and technology cluster and we're on a mission to bring innovation to life, making a difference to society, the UK economy, and the University of Cambridge. We connect the innovative minds of the University’s academics with the funding, start-up expertise and commercial relationships they need to help their ideas thrive.
Our success stories include an electric vehicle charging technology that's as convenient as filling up with petrol, a programme to prevent ideological extremism, and the world's first treatment for a rare cause of blindness. Now, we need a Venture Manager to join our team at our vibrant West Cambridge site.
Perks at a glance:
* 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
* Class-leading Bupa private medical insurance
* Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
* Generous University pension scheme.
* A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
* Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
* Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.
* Access to Bupa’s Menopause Plan for expert advice and support.
* Retail and travel discounts.
Key dates:
Closing date: This vacancy will remain open until the role is filled.
First interviews: We will interview on a rolling basis as suitable candidates apply.
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