Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of cancer patients? Do you want to be at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer research and innovation? Join the dynamic team at Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, and become a powerful partner in the fight against cancer.
About Cancer Research Horizons
Cancer Research Horizons is responsible for translating groundbreaking cancer research into effective treatments and diagnostics. With exclusive access to Cancer Research UK’s annual investment of over £300 million in world-class cancer research, they are driving the development of life-changing solutions for cancer patients. Cancer Research Horizons is proud to be the second largest oncology out-licensor globally, having played a vital role in forming over 60 startup companies, raising $2.8 billion, and bringing 11 new cancer drugs to market. To date, their innovations have positively impacted millions of cancer patients worldwide.
The opportunity
Join Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, in translating cutting-edge innovations into effective cancer treatments and diagnostics. As an Innovation Scout and Project Manager, you will be based in the US office in Boston and part of the front-line Search and Evaluation team. You will collaborate with Cancer Research UK-funded researchers to identify and develop research discoveries with the potential to impact cancer patients’ lives. This role focuses on translating and commercializing Cancer Grand Challenges (CGC) funded research globally, driving project development, intellectual property strategy, and fostering collaborations with internal and external stakeholders. Your expertise in oncology research translation and strong scientific judgment will be crucial, as you mentor colleagues, provide strategic input, and support the overall mission of Cancer Research Horizons. This
position involves regular travel to London and interaction with international teams, maximizing the impact of CRUK and NIH investments in oncology research to benefit patients worldwide. In this role you will spend 80% of your time supporting the translational and commercial development of CGC, and 20% to provide more general translational and commercialisation support to the Cancer Research Horizons team, acting as our ‘person on the ground’ in the USA, interacting with companies and investors and promoting our technologies and capabilities.
Key Responsibilities include:
● Build and maintain strong relationships with senior oncology researchers and technologytransfer offices.
● Develop a deep understanding of the cancer research landscape within the designated
portfolio.
● Act as a primary point of contact for Cancer Grand Challenges researchers, fostering collaboration.
● Proactively seek invention disclosures for technologies with potential impact on cancer patients.
● Review and evaluate invention disclosures, performing due diligence and scientific/commercial analysis.
● Propose new technology development opportunities for approval and further commercialization.
● Create and implement project plans, ensuring proper funding, milestones, and decision points.
● Protect and manage project-associated intellectual property.
● Collaborate with Business Development and Legal colleagues on contract negotiation and management.
● Provide translational research advice and support to researchers, promoting the benefits of translation.
● Contribute to developing an entrepreneurial and innovative culture in the academic oncology research community.
● Lead horizon scanning and alliance building activities, identifying collaborative opportunities.
● Maintain relationships with high-profile researchers and stakeholders globally.
● Work with international teams to seek synergistic interactions and strategic initiatives.
● Evaluate and develop novel technologies, supporting and advising team members.
Qualifications
● PhD (or equivalent) in a bioscience or healthcare discipline, preferably oncology/technology-related.
● Over 5 years of experience translating and commercializing discovery research and pre-clinical science in sectors like medical technologies, diagnostics, healthcare technologies, or pharmaceuticals.
● In-depth experience in patent filing, prosecution, and research-related contract negotiation.
● Entrepreneurial mindset with a creative thinking approach.
● Experience in mentoring and supporting others.
● Familiarity with commercialization routes for academic research (e.g., licensing, spin-out creation).
● Exposure to both academia and industry is preferred.
Competencies:
● Strong scientific understanding across various technology areas applicable to oncology.
● Proven track record of working with high-profile researchers and delivering value to stakeholders.
● Effective stakeholder management and exemplary communication skills.
● Ability to lead the design and implementation of technology transfer strategies.
● Proficient in scientific judgment, project management, business acumen, and operational delivery.
● Comfortable working autonomously and integrating into matrix-managed teams.
● Comfortable with significant US domestic travel to meet academic teams face to face, as well as occasional foreign travel to the UK.
● Comfortable with working flexible hours given the time-zone differences inherent in the role and the need to travel extensively and participate in on-line calls that may include participants from across the world.
Location: Boston, USA (US-Based)
Join their team in their mission to conquer cancer and transform the lives of patients around the world. You can be part of making a lasting impact and drive innovation in the fight against cancer.
