Job opportunities at Milner Therapeutics Institute

The Innovation Pathway Coordinator at the Milner Therapeutics Insitute (MTI) is a new and exciting opportunity for an individual to play a key role in advancing neurotechnology innovation within the Cambridge NeuroWorks ARIA Activation Partnership.

The partnership comprises a consortium of organisations:Cambridge University Health Partners, several departments of the University of Cambridge, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Network, and Vellos. The partners will provide creative talent with access to the expertise and resources needed to progress a new generation of neuro-technologies designed to treat conditions such as depression, dementia, chronic pain, epilepsy and injuries to the nervous system.

The role coordinates the delivery of the ideation ("What If") programme within the broader Cambridge NeuroWorks activity. This involves supporting the Innovation Pathway Manager to develop and implement the ideation ("What If") programme and support the "Blue Sky" fellows during their experimental exploration (Blue Sky) phase. The role also supports the transitions into the commercial translation ("Activation") phase, (led by the Babraham Research Campus. Collaborating with other programme coordinators and managers the role holder ensures the "What If" programme aligns with the goals of the Cambridge NeuroWorks Activation Partnership.

The role holder will produce programme content, analyse programme feedback, communicate/ promote events, coordinate/ manage communications with Blue Sky fellows and "What If" part-time participants, and foster community engagement with both internal and external stakeholders in the Cambridge NeuroWorks Community space on Connect: Health Tech.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in working in an entrepreneurial environment and initiating, developing, and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of project coordination, ability to plan, execute and keep to deadlines.

For the full person specification, click below to view the further particulars.

About the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI)

The MTI is a purpose-built research institute at the University of Cambridge, with an overarching vision to convert pioneering science into therapies by driving academic-industry partnerships. The MTI is breaking new ground in academic/industry interactions and demonstrates a world-leading model of start-up companies, academics and pharma working side by side at the bench. The MTI environment offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of academia and industry, applying ground-breaking technologies to drug discovery and patient treatment.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2027 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For an informal discussion in confidence please contact Alexandra Huener, Head of Entrepreneurship ah930@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PR45366 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI) at the University of Cambridge aims to accelerate translation of pioneering science into therapies. The newly established Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) at the MTI applies arrayed CRISPR screening in human cellular models to advance mechanistic understanding underlying tissue homeostasis and disease biology. Formed as a joint venture with the Medical Research Council and AstraZeneca, this new laboratory aligns with the MTI's vision of breaking the mould of how academia and industry interact. The FGSL is part of the UK Research and Innovation's Human Functional Genomics Initiative to facilitate innovative and collaborative research to drive new scientific discoveries.

We are seeking to recruit a biologist with a strong background in complex cellular modelling to join the FGSL team. You will be applying your expertise in characterising physiological-relevant models such as organoids, primary cells, co-cultures or stem cells to design and implement arrayed CRISPR screens. The ideal candidate is proficient in developing a range of functional assays such as imaging and flow cytometry to identify key phenotypes suitable for high-throughput screening. Previous experience in utilising automated or semi-automated liquid handlers for microplate-based assays is highly desirable.

This is a highly collaborative role where you will work closely with scientists and bioinformaticians from the MTI, AstraZeneca, small/medium enterprises and academic institutions. You will have the opportunity to develop new skills in areas including multi-modality screens, automation platform and bioinformatics analysis.

The MTI is a buoyant, vibrant and fast-paced environment and is ideal for those who thrive in the face of change. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates or experienced postdocs that are enthusiastic to work as part of a dynamic team at the interface between academia and industry. We offer an engaging and supportive environment that fosters professional growth and career development.

Interviews will be held at the Milner Therapeutics Institute w/c 14th April. We are aiming for candidates to start as soon as possible once all relevant processes are completed.

To find out the full duties of the role and person specification, click below to view the further particulars.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Chun Hao Wong, FGSL lead, wc389@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PR43930 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a driven ambitious individual to develop their skills and experience as the Innovation Pathway Manager (Ideation) at the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI). The role holder will become a key connector for research-based innovation, working closely with other stakeholders in the Cambridge NeuroWorks ARIA Activation Partnership.

The partnership comprises a consortium of organisations (Cambridge University Health Partners, several departments of the University of Cambridge, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Network, and Vellos). The partners will provide creative talent with access to the expertise and resources needed to progress a new generation of neuro-technologies designed to treat conditions such as depression, dementia, chronic pain, epilepsy and injuries to the nervous system.

The Innovation Pathway Manager (Ideation) will implement, nurture and develop an inclusive neurotechnology community and ensure compliance and smooth operation throughout each phase of the programme. This role directly impacts the development and validation of novel neurotechnology concepts through structured support and access to curated expertise.

The Innovation Pathway Manager will work closely with the "What If" Leads (Milner Institute Directors; Head of Entrepreneurship; COO of Vellos), the Innovation Pathway Manager (Proof of Concept) counterpart role at the Maxwell Centre, and Cambridge NeuroWorks team members. They will plan and support the development of the "What If" ideation and experimental pathway programme, building upon trend scanning, ideation, venture feasibility assessments, planning experimental setups, managing resource allocation, and fosters community engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.

The Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI) is a purpose-built research institute at the University of Cambridge, with an overarching vision to convert pioneering science into therapies by driving academic-industry partnerships. The MTI is breaking new ground in academic/industry interactions and demonstrates a world-leading model of start-up companies, academics and pharma working side by side at the bench. The MTI environment offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of academia and industry, applying ground-breaking technologies to drug discovery and patient treatment.

The ideal candidate is educated to Masters/PhD level or demonstrate equivalent senior practical experience, relevant to neurosciences / medical sciences / health tech, and has worked in research / entrepreneurial environments. They will possess highly developed organisational and project management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

If you are looking for a challenge and opportunity to develop yourself, your network, the programme and the impact it unlocks, then you will find this role very rewarding.

Fixed term (subject to funding, current end date 30 September 2027)

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Alexandra Huener, Head of Entrepreneurship ah930@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PR44929 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.