Technology Transfer Fellowships

Training in intellectual property

Now in its fifth year, the LifeArc Technology Transfer Fellowship supports four talented scientists to transition into the field of technology transfer, with a competitive, entry-level salary, plus training and hands-on practical experience in four of London’s leading technology transfer environments.

The Fellowship is run in partnership with the Imperial College Enterprise Division, Queen Mary Innovation and UCL Business (UCLB). Fellows rotate every three months in the technology transfer offices (TTOs) of these institutes, as well as in LifeArc, where they will receive training and benefit from being exposed to a variety of projects, expertise and organisational practises.

About the programme

Launching a career in technology transfer can be challenging. New entrants to the profession require a solid background in research – as well as good business acumen.

Successful technology transfer professionals must draw on their academic expertise to grasp scientific concepts quickly. They also need a working understanding of patent law, an ability to negotiate commercial agreements and strong stakeholder influencing skills.

The programme is designed to help you develop these skills, build your network and boost your prospects of launching a career in technology transfer.

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.

Technology Transfer Alumni

“It is fantastic to see LifeArc and partners working together to develop the next generation of technology transfer professionals. Rotations at various technology transfer offices give the Fellows unique insight into the profession and provide a brilliant opportunity to gain operational experience, develop their skills and build professional networks."
Mike Romanos, co-founder and CEO of Microbiotica and LifeArc Trustee

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 applications window for the Fellowships is usually open from February to March each year.

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

How to apply

Applications for the 2023-4 programme closed on 30 March 2023.

If you applied 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, w/c 24 April 2023.

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.

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

Contact us

To request more information about our technology transfer fellows programmes, please use the form below to contact us.