LifeArc Technology Transfer Training Fellowship
The LifeArc Technology Transfer Training Fellowship supports four talented scientists to transition into the field of technology transfer.
It’s a 1 year programme that provides training and hands-on practical experience in 4 of London’s leading technology transfer environments.
Duration: 12 months
Applications are now closed
About the fellowship
Launched in 2018, this fellowship is run in conjunction with Imperial Innovations, Queen Mary Innovation and UCL Business (UCLB), the technology transfer offices for Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London and University College London to provide formal training and hands-on practical experience in four of London’s leading technology transfer environments.
Fellows are mentored and supported to develop an understanding of all aspects of the technology transfer process, including deep due diligence, intellectual property protection, management and licensing, and company spin-out formation.
2025 to 2026 programme
| Date | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 23 June 2025 | Welcome meeting and commencement of fellowship | LifeArc, London |
| 23 to 27 June 2025 | LifeArc Innovation Primer Course | LifeArc, London |
| 8 to 11 February 2026 | AUTM Annual Conference | Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington, USA |
| February 2026 | Choice of technology valuation or technology marketing course (taken as a preconference course) | Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington, USA |
Programme information
Induction week
The fellowship begins with an induction week of seminars, case studies and interactive sessions. These sessions are run by colleagues from the four TTOs as well as external experts including patent attorneys, lawyers and VC professionals.
The induction week is designed to provide you with a solid theoretical understanding of the fundamentals of technology transfer that you can draw on as you rotate through the four placements with the participating TTOs.
Activities on rotation
- Queen Mary Innovation (QMI) – you’ll work with commercialisation managers to educate QMI scientists on the benefits of technology transfer, help assess the commercial potential of disclosed inventions and assist with preparing patent applications and funding applications.
- LifeArc – you’ll receive training from our colleagues in the Opportunity Assessment Group (OAG) on performing scientific, intellectual property and commercial due diligence on potential opportunities for a range of LifeArc’s internal functions. You’ll also work closely with our Business Managers, for example, on marketing inventions developed by MRC scientists.
- UCL Business – you’ll work with the Legal Affairs team in supporting the negotiation of a range of agreements, Fellows also support Business Managers within the UCLB BioPharm team to triage and assess inventions arising from UCL academics.
- Imperial College London – here you’ll be incorporated into the team that supports the formation and development of start-ups from the Imperial College ecosystem. This includes companies founded by entrepreneurial students and recent alumni, as well spinouts formed around IP generated by Imperial College academics.
Who can apply?
The application window for the fellowships is now open and will close 3 March.
Essential
- Postgraduate degree in life or medical sciences and/or MBA or equivalent
- Aptitude for describing complex scientific information in accessible terms and ability to quickly grasp new scientific concepts
- 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.
- Competence in 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 drug discovery process and of the academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry marketplaces
Does the fellowship provide financial support for living costs?
LifeArc technology transfer fellows receive a salary of £35,700 (plus £1,785 allowance, which can be taken as cash, or used for additional benefits)
Benefits
You will receive:
- A competitive entry-level salary in technology transfer
- A defined contribution pension scheme
- Private health insurance
- A flexible benefits scheme
- 31 days paid holiday per year
Application process
If you apply and you are accepted, you will be invited to complete a strength-based video interview. We’ll provide full instructions and guidance on how to approach and prepare for this.
Applicants who reach the final stage will be invited to present to the selection panel in London.
We want to recruit the best people, from every background, so in our recruitment process we use tools that allow us to consider your achievements in the context of where you gained them and without prejudice.
There are countless benefits; however, what I found most valuable was the opportunity to learn about different areas of technology transfer while working in different sized technology transfer offices. It was fascinating to see how different organisations approach commercialisation and innovation and it provided the unique experience of learning from multiple technology transfer professionals.”
Jack, former LifeArc Technology Transfer Fellow
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