Oxford University Innovation
Who We Are
Oxford University Innovation (OUI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Oxford. We manage the University’s technology transfer and consulting activities. contributes to the University’s societal benefit by working with staff and students to apply their expertise and research. We have the bold vision of a world-leading innovation ecosystem with Oxford University at its heart. As architects of creative solutions, we enable the University community to maximise the global impact of Oxford’s research and expertise.
Since 1997, Oxford University Innovation has been responsible for creating over 200 new technology companies based on academic research generated within and owned by the University of Oxford, and has spun-out a new company every two months on average. Many of the spinouts will require follow on investment. Our Investments and New Ventures team looks after the University’s shareholdings in the spinout portfolio.
The Placement Project
The successful candidate will be embedded within the OUI Investment & New Ventures (INV) team, closely working with the Investment Managers on reporting and investor engagement activities.
Their responsibilities will encompass collecting, interpreting, and documenting a wide range of performance data, including impact data, related to the >200 Oxford companies managed by the INV team. Additionally, they will help refresh & update the OUI investor database, as well as identify & target potential new investors to bolster the Oxford ecosystem.
Your Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work on three concurrent activities, each under appropriate supervision.
- Activity 1: HEBCI Data Collection
Approximately 4 weeks of work
- Activity 2: Impact Data Evaluation
Collaborate with the OUI Social Enterprise team to clean, interpret and write-up impact data received from the spinout portfolio.
Approximately 4 weeks of work.
- Activity 3: Investor Engagement Mapping
Review and update OUI’s investor records and identify new investors for targeted engagement.
Approximately 4 weeks of work.
What you will gain
- A good understanding of financing new ventures and research commercialisation
- Insight into the Oxford innovation ecosystem
- The opportunity to work closely with three different teams and grow professionally under different supervision and leadership styles.
- Training and networking opportunities available to OUI members
Demonstrable experience in:
- analysis of quantitative and qualitative business data
- performance and impact evaluation
- process improvement
- investor mapping
- the requirements of HESA reporting
- teamwork and collaboration
Supervision and collaboration arrangements
The successful candidate will be embedded within the Investments and New Ventures Teams. They will be supervised by a different member of the team for each strand of activity, having weekly meetings with their supervisor, as well as regular check-ins with the Head of Investments & New Ventures.
They will be in daily contact with wider members of the OUI team, who will be pleased to discuss their role and career trajectory with the intern.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to sponsor the student for a visa covering the duration of the placement, if required.
Who we are looking for
Innovation is a broad and diverse family. No prerequisite skills or background are required for this role, and any necessary training will be provided by OUI. Applicants should possess an enquiring mind and a keen interest in how university innovation can create positive economic, societal and environmental impact. Empowerment and collaboration are two of the key values at OUI and candidates will be encouraged to bring their own personal drive to the internship and to demonstrate strong communication skills to interact with a wide range of stakeholders in the Oxford innovation ecosystem.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter (up to 500 words) in .pdf format by e-mailing placements.gudtp@socsci.ox.ac.uk. These should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria and your motivation to undertake this placement.
If you cannot make the proposed dates please let us know your availability in the e-mail.
Application Deadline: 1st June 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in-person/remotely by Benedicte Menn and David Howells. This will be an opportunity to discuss how we could tailor the placement to your interests and see if we are a good fit for each other.
