Partnerships & Contracts Associate
15 hours ago
London
Partnerships & Contracts Associate Location: London (hybrid) Salary: £32,000 - £36,000 + performance-based bonus Contract: Full-time About Metalchemy® Metalchemy is a UK-based SME developing and manufacturing sustainable chemical products for use in cosmetics, active packaging, and healthcare applications. We specialise in patented, plant-based chemical processes designed to be scalable and commercially viable. Our focus is on turning robust science into reliable manufacturing operations that deliver real customer and environmental impact. The Role We are looking for a Partnerships & Contracts Associate to support the development of research contracts, strategic partnerships, and non-dilutive funding. This is a hands-on role working closely with the CEO, combining external engagement and execution. You will be involved in identifying opportunities, building relationships with partners, and supporting proposals and funding applications. The role suits someone who is comfortable operating across technical and commercial contexts, and who enjoys working externally with partners as well as internally with scientific teams. Responsibilities • Identify and engage potential partners and clients (startups, corporates, research institutions), • Attend and participate in meetings, events, and conferences to build relationships and generate business opportunities, • Support development of research and commercial contract opportunities, from initial discussions through to proposal stage, • Research and assess relevant funding opportunities (e.g. Innovate UK, collaborative R&D programmes, industry), • Support drafting and coordination of grant applications and technical proposals, • Execute outreach and follow-ups (email, LinkedIn, meetings) to initiate and maintain conversations, • Track opportunities using CRM tools (e.g. HubSpot, Monday.com), • Support preparation for external meetings, including materials and follow-ups, • Contribute to improving internal tools and templates (e.g. proposals, tracking workflows) Profile • MSc or PhD in a relevant field (e.g. chemistry, chemical engineering, biotech or similar), • Experience with Innovate UK, USDA and similar funding programmes, including involvement in grant submissions, • Portfolio of successful grant and/or research partnerships, • Strong scientific writing and research skills, with ability to produce clear, structured, and persuasive content, • 1-3 years' experience in startups, innovation, research, consulting, or business development, • Ability to understand technical concepts and translate them into clear external communication, • Strong written and verbal communication skills, • Comfortable engaging externally and building relationships and attending events to nurture relationships, • Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple workstreams, • Comfortable using key digital tools, including CRM platforms (e.g. HubSpot, Monday.com), presentation and design tools (e.g. PowerPoint, Canva), and productivity tools (e.g. Google Workspace), • Familiar with AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude) to support research, drafting, and workflow efficiency, • Interest in Sustainability, Cosmetics, Skincare, Biotechnology and Food Packaging Working Style • London-based role with 4 days per week in the office, • 1 day typically allocated to external meetings, partner visits, or industry events (flexible), • Regular interaction with external partners, including occasional travel, • Flexible working approach depending on deadlines and external commitments, • Focus on output, responsiveness, and collaboration Additional Information This role offers direct exposure to company strategy, partnerships, and funding. As you develop, there is scope to take on increased ownership of external relationships and opportunity pipelines. Metalchemy® is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.