LifeArc Knowledge Exchange Fellowship
The LifeArc Knowledge Exchange Fellowship supports four talented scientists to transition into the field of knowledge and 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 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 alongside Knowledge Exchange UK, the professional association for Knowledge Exchange practitioners.
The programme offers a unique blend of formal training and hands-on practical experience within four of London’s leading academic technology transfer environments.
What fellows gain
Throughout the fellowship, participants receive expert mentorship and practical support to develop a deep understanding of the entire knowledge and technology transfer process. This includes, deep due diligence, intellectual property protection and management, and licensing strategies, and company spin-out formation.
2026 to 2027 programme
| Date | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 22 to 26 June 2026 | LifeArc Innovation Primer Course | LifeArc, London |
| June 2026 – 2027 | *KE Induction CPD programme | Knowledge Exchange UK |
| 10 December 2026 | **Genesis 2026 Conference | 1 Wimpole St, London |
| 21 to 24 February 2027 | AUTM Annual Conference | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, San Diego, California |
| February 2027 (date to be confirmed) | Choice of Technology Valuation or Technology Marketing Course (taken as a preconference course) | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington DC |
| February 2027 | Negotiation course (taken within the AUTM conference) | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington DC |
| June 2027 | *Knowledge Exchange 2027 Annual Conference | TBA |
*Date and details to be announced ** Logistics permitting
As a LifeArc Knowledge Exchange Fellow, you will benefit from:
- Immediate access to a leading professional community through two-year membership of Knowledge Exchange UK, connecting you with sector insights, tools, and peers
- Expert-led training and mentorship to accelerate your development in knowledge exchange and innovation practice
- Flexible, on-demand learning with one year of LinkedIn Learning to build complementary skills at your own pace
- Direct exposure to leading practitioners via specialised training courses delivered by experts in the field
- A powerful professional network of innovation and knowledge exchange professionals to support your career progression
- Global perspectives and cutting-edge thinking through a dedicated Knowledge Transfer Speaker Series featuring international experts
- Structured support to achieve professional recognition, including guidance on applying for the Candidate RTTP credential
- Consistent, tailored support throughout the programme to help you build confidence and capability
- Long-term career connections through access to the LifeArc Fellowship Alumni Communityp
- Peer support from those who’ve been in your position, with a dedicated mentor who is a graduate of the programme
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 funding and venture capital (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 – during your rotation at LifeArc, you will work closely with the Insights and Intellectual Property teams. Receive comprehensive training to perform scientific, intellectual property, and commercial due diligence on potential opportunities across a range of LifeArc’s internal functions and strategic initiatives.
- 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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