The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

We are seeking to appoint a talented Innovation Fellow with excellent oncology-based research and commercialisation skills to develop commercialisation of the Spatial Living Biobank (SLB). The Spatial Living Biobank leverages unique cell models, tissue and data to capture complex spatial differences within solid tumours and improve cancer drug development. This Fellowship is focused on furthering the development of a specialised commercial research service as an attractive business partner to a range of oncology-focused biotech and pharmaceutical partners.

The Innovation Fellow will take a key role in the commercialisation of the SLB with the aim of establishing the spinout, “HeteroGenesys”.  You will have engaged with Commercialisation training and may have participated in schemes such as ICURe EXPLORE. You will have a visionary outlook, resilience, adaptability, passion, and strong decision-making skills to navigate challenges and drive innovation while also being a team player. You will also be a  skilled communicator with a wide range of stakeholders. Key traits also include self-awareness, initiative, and the ability to inspire and empower teams to achieve ambitious goals.

The goal of this position is to complete stages 2 and 3 of the University of Sheffield’s commercialisation journey in readiness to progress to launch and then undertake a leading role in the spinout.

Main duties and responsibilities

●    Build the commercial proposition of the Spatial Living Biobank via development of the business plan and financial/cashflow needs.

●     Test and retest value propositions through extensive and ongoing market engagement.

●      Plan and undertake deep in-market research of supply chain, regulators, customers and competitors.

●      Effectively manage your workload in order to accomplish project goals and tasks on time and to a high standard,

●     Take a leading role in developing new ideas and assist others around to help contribute to the idea-generation process.

●    Further develop your commercialisation skills, including leadership, communication  and other transferable skills.

●    Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early January 2026. This will consist of shortlisting of written applications followed by an interview on 9 January 2026. A delivery of a presentation will be required at interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the interview stage following the closing date in early January 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact clinmed-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with ourProfessional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 04/01/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.