UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. We are more than a college and more than a traditional university: a diverse, flexible partnership, rooted in our communities and driven by their needs. Our network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and internationally recognised research institutes delivers supported, flexible learning from access level to PhD.
To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:
ShaKEs Commercialisation Manager
| Salary range | £58,225 - £67,468 |
|---|---|
| Duration | Fixed Term to 31 July 2027 |
| Working hours | 35.75 hours (1FTE) |
| Location | Any of the six partner institutions |
| Closing Date | 19 January 2026 |
Please note that recruitment for these positions are being managed by Queen Margaret University
ShaKEs is an exciting new consortium of the six smallest higher education institutions in Scotland - Abertay University, Glasgow School of Art, Queen Margaret University, Robert Gordon University, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and University of the Highlands and Islands; plus Edinburgh College, representing the college sector.
Through a new novel and collaborative approach, ShaKEs aims to develop, test and evaluate a sustainable model for commercialisation, industry expertise and KE infrastructure focused on shared legal, contracts and intellectual property (IP) resources and helping to develop alternative routes to commercialisation in our focus areas, many of which have a high proportion of micro enterprises and represent an area of untapped potential in university commercialisation efforts.
Our partnership builds on long-standing collaboration and distinct academic strengths in Scottish Government priority economic sectors—Food & Drink, Creative Industries, Gaming, Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, Tourism, Built Environment and Service/Public and Third Sector innovation—areas historically underrepresented in R&D but where our collective agility aims to unlock new innovation pathways.
We are seeking highly motivated professionals who are inspired by the inclusive growth potential of our priority economic sectors. You will bring creativity, tenacity, and a drive for innovation to design and deliver transformative and disruptive approaches. You will play a key role in embedding our shared service ambitions through the development of a fit-for-purpose commercialisation infrastructure — one that is underpinned by specialist expertise, professional acumen, and a deep understanding of stakeholder needs. You will be relentlessly outcome and user focused, committed to shaping transformation and passionate in understanding and breaking down barriers, finding novel and creative solutions and driving alternatives.
Our goal is to build a sustainable and adaptable model that supports industry, public sector reform and our academic staff, while thriving within an institutional culture primarily focused on learning and teaching.
Members of the ShaKEs team can be based in any of the six partner institutions. Together you will be responsible for delivery of the project objectives whilst supporting the key priorities identified within the partner institutions’ 5 Year Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund strategies underpinning the consortium.
We are committed to the intersection of skills, research, innovation and place, guided by new Scottish Government Community Wealth Building (CWB) principles to secure social and environmental as well as economic outcomes, and share learning across Scotland’s tertiary sector.
Funded by the Scottish Funding Council, ShaKEs aims to share and increase access to much needed fit-for-purpose specialist innovation infrastructure, providing an opportunity to further the Scottish Government innovation ambitions as outlined in the National Innovation Strategy, Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, National Strategy for Economic Transformation, in addition to the delivery of the wellbeing outcomes in the National Performance Framework.
We welcome applications from talented individuals interested in a secondment opportunity.
Further Information on the ShaKEs webpage.
For informal enquiries please contact any of the Institutional Leads listed on the webpage.
Closing Date: 19 January 2026
Interview Dates: 6 and 9 February 2026
Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.
Should you wish to apply for the vacancy please visit our vacancies pagedownload the job description and complete an application online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process or require special assistance, please contact Human Resources by email at recruitment@qmu.ac.uk.
This role does meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we can progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
As a university, we are committed to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchersalongside Concordat to Support Research Integrity and were, in fact, the first Scottish Higher Education Institute (and part of the first UK cohort of institutes) to publicly declare our commitment to its principles.
Queen Margaret University is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please have a look at our Diversity, Wellbeing and Inclusion Calendar
We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award which recognises the advancement of gender equality at QMU. Find out more about Athena SWAN here
We have a number of family friendly policies and are happy to consider job share applications.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, should you require any specific arrangements during the recruitment process please contact Human Resources on recruitment@qmu.ac.uk
Interviews will be held 6 and 9 February 2026.
- Job description
- Person specification
- Further information
- Terms and conditions
- Guidance notes for candidates
- Summary of terms and conditions of employment
UHI Employee Benefits
At UHI, we offer a supportive, flexible and rewarding place to work, with a range of benefits including:
- 42 days’ annual leave (pro rata)
- Attractive pension scheme and options for additional contributions
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Occupational sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme (incl. spousal support)
- High-street and online retail discounts
- 10% off Highlife Highland memberships
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Contribution towards DSE prescription glasses
- Free parking and EV charging (where available)
- LinkedIn Learning access for ongoing professional development
- Long-service awards and active social events
If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at HR@uhi.ac.uk.