Physics Business Development Manager

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Physics in a brand-new role, created to strengthen and expand our relationships with industry, government, charities, funders and other external partners.

As our first Physics Business Development Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape the role and help develop a strategic, coordinated approach to partnerships across the Department. Working with the Physics Leadership Team, academics and professional services colleagues, you will build new relationships, strengthen existing collaborations and create opportunities for research, knowledge exchange and real-world impact.

The Department has a broad research portfolio, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and big data, space, defence and security, energy and the environment, optics and photonics, medical physics and nanoscale materials. You will bring these strengths together into a compelling partnership offer and help connect our researchers with organisations that share our ambitions.

Based within the Physics Knowledge Hub, you will work across the Department and with teams throughout Imperial to establish the foundations for a strong and sustainable portfolio of strategic partnerships. This is an opportunity to make the role your own and have a visible impact on the future development of external engagement in Physics.

We are committed to supporting you to succeed and develop in this new role. You will join a collaborative Department that actively encourages relevant training, continuing professional development and engagement with professional and best-practice networks.

What you would be doing

You will:

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with external organisations, proactively identifying new partners whose priorities align with the Department’s research strengths.
• Advise academics on partnership development, collaborative research opportunities and long-term engagement with external organisations.
• Identify opportunities for research collaboration, consultancy, contract research, knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the development of large and complex funding proposals, including multi-institution and multi-partner bids.
• Work with Imperial’s Partnerships Team, Enterprise Division, Imperial Consultants and other professional services teams to coordinate activity and provide guidance on contracts, agreements and commercial opportunities.
• Support partner-facing events, workshops, showcase activities and strategic visits, and help develop compelling materials that communicate the Department’s expertise.
• Maintain an overview of the Department’s partnership portfolio and develop measures to evaluate the effectiveness of external engagement.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, reporting and information-sharing across the Physics Knowledge Hub.

What we are looking for

You will have a degree in physics, materials science, engineering or another relevant technical discipline, together with experience of industry engagement in the physical sciences or engineering sectors.

You will bring experience of developing collaborative projects with academics, researchers or technical specialists and be able to translate complex scientific capabilities into clear, compelling propositions for external partners. Experience of consultancy, contract research or the commercialisation of research is also essential.

You will be an excellent communicator, able to influence senior stakeholders and build productive relationships across complex organisations. You will be highly self-motivated, strategically minded and capable of managing several projects and priorities at the same time.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes). 
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a fixed term post for two years in the first instance.

The role is available on a full-time basis. We are also open to applications from candidates seeking part-time working arrangements of at least 60% full-time equivalent.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in person on 18^th September 2026 at our South Kensington Campus.

For further information about the position contact:

Louise Hayward, Knowledge Hub Manager, l.hayward@imperial.ac.uk

Professor Rupert Oulton, Deputy Head of Department for Enterprise, Impact and Engagement, ph.eie@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process contact Physics Knowledge Hub, physicsconnect@imperial.ac.uk

If you experience any technical issues with your online application, contact the Imperial Recruitment Hub team - support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk

Visit our webpages for more information about the Department of Physics

The Department of Physics is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community. We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

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