Associate Director of Commercial Partnersh(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Shaping the Future of Medical Research Through Partnership

The Medical Research Council plays a central role in improving human health by supporting world‑leading biomedical research across the UK. Collaboration is critical to delivering this impact.

We are seeking an Associate Director of Commercial Partnerships to help strengthen and expand MRC’s strategic relationships with the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medtech, health‑tech and investment communities. Working closely with the Director of National Partnerships, you will ensure that MRC has a coherent, forward‑looking approach to collaboration that accelerates discovery, translation and real‑world impact.

This role operates at senior level across MRC and UKRI, engaging extensively with executive colleagues, external partners and investors to align public and private effort around shared research priorities.

The Purpose of the Role

Your core purpose will be to develop, manage and champion MRC’s commercial partnerships, ensuring they are strategically aligned, operationally effective and focused on delivering benefits for UK health, science and the economy.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Build new and strengthen existing partnerships with commercial organisations across pharma, biotech, medtech, health‑tech, AI and life sciences

Develop engagement with the UK investment ecosystem, including angel investors, venture builders, venture capital, private equity and other funding sources

Secure partnerships that support MRC priorities, including:

• deeper, mechanistic understanding of disease
• increased national capability and capacity in medical research
• precision prevention, early diagnosis and advanced treatments
• Ensure all commercial partnerships deliver clear outcomes and measurable value against MRC objectives
• Identify opportunities for co‑funded research through MRC institutes, UKRI investments and wider public‑sector initiatives
• Strengthen MRC’s engagement with industry bodies, trade associations and representative organisations
• Support the exploitation and commercialisation of intellectual property arising from MRC‑funded research

About You

You are a senior leader with a strong track record in business development and partnership working within the medical, healthcare or life sciences sectors. You are comfortable operating at national and international level, influencing across organisational boundaries and balancing public value with commercial realities.

Essential experience includes:

• Senior management experience in the public, private or charitable sectors, with responsibility for business development or partnerships
• Delivery of complex, high‑profile portfolios at national level
• Building and negotiating partnerships with commercial organisations in medical or healthcare contexts
• Strong understanding of the role of research and innovation in delivering UK strategic objectives
• Proven ability to manage diverse stakeholders and negotiate agreements involving government, academia and industry
• Awareness of the international research funding and innovation landscape

Desirable experience includes:

• Supporting or managing discovery and applied research funding programmes
• Working with senior civil service or public policy professionals
• Experience of interdisciplinary research or cross‑sector collaboration

Reward, Benefits & Flexibility

UKRI offers a competitive and flexible employment package designed to support wellbeing, development and work–life balance, including:

• Outstanding defined‑benefit pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (pro‑rata)
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• Confidential employee assistance programme

Visa & Eligibility Information

Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should review eligibility directly with the UK Home Office. Visa costs are normally paid upfront by the applicant, with the possibility of reimbursement once employment begins, subject to discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Relevant UK Government & Official Resources

UK Life Sciences Vision (UK Government): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-vision

Skilled Worker Visa guidance: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

How to Apply

Please apply online via the UKRI recruitment portal. If you experience any technical issues during your application, contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

Join the Medical Research Council and help build the partnerships that turn discovery into better health outcomes for everyone.