Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national Life Sciences service dedicated to turning drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs. We accelerate the development of science, and where there are areas of unmet patient need, we stimulate innovation. By transforming drug discovery, we can improve patient lives, increase the impact of the UK Life Sciences sector, and create a healthier society and economy. Our interventions work. Since we started, we have helped over 300 companies raise over £1bn of R&D investment. We seek passionate individuals who are eager to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the field of drug discovery. Together, we can unlock new therapies, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you are ready to make an impact, we invite you to be part of our journey. The values of the Catapult are: Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence. Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other. Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other. Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work. Role purpose This opportunity is for an experienced person in the field of life sciences grant funding from industry or academia to join the team. You’ll work as part of our expert team across business engagement, science, and informatics, and with a wide range of national partners including technology firms, biotechs, leading universities, and global industry. You’ll contribute to the success of the sector by identifying and matching grant funding opportunities with our partners’ needs, and our scientific capabilities. You’ll help the UK community develop and prove more medicines, biomarkers, and diagnostics by your close contact with national and international research and innovation funders and your understanding of their priorities and plans. You’ll create proposals on behalf of Catapult consortia that are compelling and relevant to those priorities, and thereby support the UK's position as a unique support for SMEs and a key global player in life sciences as well as – most importantly – help improve patient outcomes. At the same time, you will help us bolster our IP portfolio by identifying, driving and managing an IP portfolio that will support our research work and extend it to spin-outs, out-licensing and other commercial activities. The MDC enters an exciting new phase of more expansive activity by even more actively seeking to support the life science communities in the UK with science, our consortia but also through investment activities both into our own science as well as in the surrounding communities. This will offer additional tools to support stakeholders and partners as well as result in further opportunities to progress within our organisation. The successful candidate will have deep experience in grant-funded life sciences research through roles in industry, consultancy, grant writing agencies, or academia. The role willsuit a highly-motivated individual, keen to develop their skills, who is collaboratively minded, deadline driven, and well organised. The opportunity to join a high-profile national organisation provides a fantastic platform to generate real impact and enhance your career. Main duties and responsibilities Establish and maintain the Catapult’s relationships with relevant granting bodies in the UK/internationally. ork with external partners and with colleagues in the MDC Discovery, Commercial and Legal teams to develop high-quality grant and collaboration agreements. Actively identify and promote new relevant funding opportunities for the MDC and its partners aligned to the MDC Science Strategy. Lead the grant process, from the review of potential submissions developed internally, through writing and submission of both single applicant and collaborative bids, and ensuring they receive effective review and moderation. Working with the originating scientists, identify and develop IP exploitation plans for MDC-generated IP, including – in collaboration with the Commercial and Legal teams – patent preparation, licensing, technology transfer and spin-outs. Ensure that relevant analysis of IP, project planning and costing, market analysis and route to market is performed to a world-class standard in a timely manner. Manage large collaborative EU and UK bids, ensuring successful communication and delivery with MDC partners. Interact with senior management and implement business processes and strategies according to the organisation’s business needs. Experience : Well-versed in principle National and European grant schemes and proven track record of securing grant funding as a project manager/coordinator. Experience in report/document production (e.g. quarterly reports, final reports, audits) for Innovate UK-funded research projects. Thorough experience in all key elements of grant applications. Exposure to the management of national and international scientific research projects, including collaborative projects with biopharmaceutical/biotech companies. Proven industry experience in the life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical sector. Experience in translation-focused projects including product development activities from concept to commercialisation of biopharmaceutical, healthcare, or similar products. Experience working in cross functional teams and leading without formal authority Knowledge, skills & competencies: Strong technical, scientific, and operational experience in industry/academia. Knowledge of relevant market analyses, business planning, private finance, and IP. Education & Qualifications: The successful candidate will likely have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in science and well developed interpersonal skills. Closing date: Friday 17th January 2025 Please note the closing date for applications may be brought forward if a high volume of applications are received.