Business Development Associate (MedTech)
£36,000 - £44,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Business Development Executive
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office). There will also be occasional international travel c1-2 times per year.
Closing date: Sunday 29th March 23:55pm
Recruitment process: Screening call via MS Teams followed by a second stage interview with a task.
First interview date: Approximately w/c 6th April
Second interview date: TBC
Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) is the innovation arm of Cancer Research UK, created to accelerate the development and commercialisation of cutting‑edge oncology research. By combining CRUK’s world‑class academic network with the expertise of industry partners, we help turn breakthrough science into impactful cancer treatments, technologies, and diagnostics.
The Business Development & Alliance Management team serves as CRH’s main link to industry, identifying opportunities, promoting CRUK’s capabilities, and delivering partnerships through licensing agreements, research collaborations, strategic alliances, and spinout creation.
We are now seeking a Business Development Associate to support and drive these partnerships. In this role, you will work closely with scientists, project teams, and external partners to showcase CRUK’s research strengths, evaluate new commercial opportunities, and support or lead negotiations across a broad range of partnering routes. You will play an important role in building strong industry relationships and helping shape CRH’s commercial strategy.
A key part of the role will focus on MedTech and diagnostics, where you will help develop the commercial potential of CRUK’s rapidly growing portfolio, including biomarkers, diagnostic tests, medical devices, software and digital health innovations. You will also contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance CRUK’s presence across tech‑focused research programmes.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence CRUK’s industry partnering strategy and make a meaningful impact on the translation of innovative cancer technologies into real‑world benefit.
What you will be doing?
Evaluate commercial opportunities (with a focus on MedTech and diagnostics) through analysis of technology application areas, market size, competition and market need to build and develop our tech-focussed licensing portfolio
Enable the delivery of CRH’s strategic aims across MedTech and diagnostics aiming to drive greater commercial activity in the sector
Provide support to CRUK’s various tech-focussed research initiatives to drive the creation of innovative partnering approaches
Proactively and competently promote CRH and its activities and technologies to external parties through a variety of channels including visits, presentations, marketing events and participation at meetings and conferences
Complete and/or support completion as appropriate of licences and other commercial agreements
Keep apprised of industry and institutional trends and developments to aid judgement and to keep others informed
What are we looking for?
BSc (or equivalent) in a Life Science discipline
Strong interest in, and good understanding of the steps required to translate scientific innovation into commercial products
Proven ability to work effectively with key stakeholders, assertively influencing them and where appropriate showing tenacity and persistence in business development situations
Work collaboratively within a close-knit team to deliver the scientific, commercial and operational objectives of the overall CRH function
Able to grasp and report varied technical concepts quickly
Strong organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent interpersonal skills, able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate without authority with senior personnel
Sound commercial judgement and project management skills
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.