Business Development Manager (Data & AI)

Salary: £50,000-£59,000 plus benefits

Reports to: 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)
Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Recruitment process: Two stage interview process: 30-minute initial interview followed by a further 1-hour competency-based interview with a presentation task.
Interview date: Screening calls to take place approximately w/c 9th November

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Business Development Manager to join our team in Stratford. The Business Development team act as CRH’s primary interface with industry and is responsible for marketing of CRH’s technologies and capabilities. The BD team is itself split into specialised groups focused on particular technology types with this role sitting in the Data & AI team. This team is responsible for the identification, protection and commercialisation of data and software arising from CRUK funded research as well as facilitating interactions between the CRUK network and techbio companies.

This role will work closely with other members of Cancer Research Horizons to drive the development of a portfolio of commercially available multi-omic datasets and lead on engaging with industry partners to maximise the insights and impact from CRUK generated data. The postholder will also collaborate with colleagues in CRUK’s Research and Innovation teams to support the finalisation, delivery and implementation of CRUK’s new Data Science strategy, that could revolutionise the way that CRUK enables data reuse. You’ll act as a key point of contact for techbio companies, exploring and facilitating collaborations that leverage the capabilities of these companies with the resources and expertise present in the CRUK network.

About Cancer Research Horizons 

As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we’ve helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster. 

We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UK’s established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK’s world-class academic network, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) Bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) Tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. You’ll be joining over 200 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds, all dedicated to bringing forward the day we cure cancer and making real life impact.

As a Business Development Manager you will:

• Evaluate opportunities with commercial potential through analysis of technology application areas, market size, competition and market need.
• Lead and support marketing and commercialisation activities as appropriate for projects in the portfolio.
• Proactively and competently promote CRT and its activities and technologies to external parties through a variety of channels including visits, presentations, marketing events and participation at meetings and conferences.
• Negotiate licences, collaborations and other commercial agreements.
• Keep appraised of industry and institutional trends and developments to aid judgement and to keep others informed.
• Support CP management to deliver wider strategic objectives.

What we're looking for:

• BSc (or equivalent work & industry experience) in a Life Science discipline, ideally oncology or technology related.
• Significant and material business development and commercialisation experience drawn from working in relevant industry, academic or non-profit roles.
• Strong interest in, and good understanding of the steps required to translate scientific innovation into commercial products.
• Experience of deal negotiation together with broad ranging business development and technology transfer skills.
• Broad knowledge and awareness of drug/technology discovery and development (preferably within the oncology sector).
• Ability to grasp and report varied technical concepts quickly, and design, develop and critique sound business strategies based on scientific, commercial and financial analysis.

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 [email protected].  

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 [email protected] 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.