Essential:

• qualified to graduate or postgraduate degree in life or medical sciences
• well-developed written and oral communication skills
• strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate confidently and effectively with academic staff, all levels of management and companies.
• genuine passion for science and technology and their use to improve health
• competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• self-starter

Desirable:

• experience in technology market research, analysis and reporting
• experience in technology marketing, IP protection or commercial negotiation including contract development/analysis
• understanding of the challenges faced in therapeutics and diagnostics development and of the academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry marketplaces

Eligibility

• applicants must have less than 1 year knowledge transfer, technology transfer or business development experience.

We aim to recruit top talent from every background. Our recruitment process uses tools and methods that allow us to consider your achievements in the context of where you gained them, ensuring an unbiased and fair assessment.

Each submitted application package is assessed for eligibility and strength of application.

Applications will be evaluated by a joint selection panel who will award up to 18 fellowships, at least 2 of which will be awarded to non-UK residing applicants.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. LifeArc may request additional information to assist with eligibility checks. Failure to comply with requests for supporting information could be grounds for disqualification. 

The rate of study is dependent on the circumstances of the fellow. However, we recommend each fellow devote at least 4 hours a week to study. This will ensure the fellow completes all modules and is prepared for the training, conferences and professional accreditation that are part of the programme. 

The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowships combine formal training with networking, mentoring and practical experience in the field. Expenses for international travel are covered, but no further funding is available with this programme. Where possible, assistance will be provided in terms of networking and mentoring to secure an eight-week placement in a technology transfer office. The level of financial support during the internship/placement is at the discretion of the hosting establishment. 

Registration, hotels and airfare are covered for:

• ASTP Fundamentals in Knowledge Transfer Course
• AUTM’s 2026 Annual Meeting
• A major European Knowledge and Technology Transfer Conference i.e., the ASTP Annual Conference

Your application will need to include a reference from your current or most recent employer or supervisor. You will also need to ensure you can have time off from your current position to attend the in- person elements of the programme. 

Most fellows secure a position in the knowledge/technology transfer sector prior to the end of the programme. The possibility to gain practical experience as a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellow is optional and led by the fellow. Where possible, LifeArc will provide non-financial support to secure an internship/placement at an appropriate academic technology transfer/innovation establishment. The level of financial support during any secured internship/placement will be at the discretion of the hosting establishment. 

LifeArc has designed two virtual simulations to provide additional insight of the role of an innovation professional. These can be accessed for free through the following links:

🔗 Knowledge & Technology Transfer simulation

🔗 LifeArc Intellectual Property Simulation

These simulations are self-paced, accessible globally, and designed to build practical skills and confidence.

The LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship is open to European-based applicants who can travel to the US and respective EU countries for the designated training courses and conferences that are part of the programme. Our full-time programme, the LifeArc Knowledge Exchange Fellowship, requires all applicants to be based within daily travel distance of London.

Applicants located in North America can apply for the Susan Riley Keyes Memorial Technology Transfer Training Fellowship.

This programme is designed to help academic scientists transition into a career as a knowledge & technology transfer/innovation professional. Only applicants with less than a year of knowledge transfer/technology transfer/innovation work experience at the start of the fellowship programme will be eligible for this fellowship. 

This fellowship is only open to applicants who, at the time of the commencement of the fellowship, are situated in academia or an appropriate non-commercial establishment. 

Yes. Applicants in the final year of their doctoral study are eligible to apply for this fellowship. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to fully commit to the programme without negatively impacting their current studies.  

Yes. As ambassadors of the LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovation Fellowship, past and present fellows are identifiable through LinkedIn and are happy to share their experience of the programme.