Post-doctoral Researcher in Technological Innovation

Innovation Fellowship Programme Cima is launching an Innovation Fellowship Programme as part of its strategy to retain scientific talent and accelerate the translation of biomedical research into innovative products and companies. We are seeking a highly motivated Post-doctoral Researcher in Technological Innovation to join the Technology Transfer and Innovation Unit and work at the interface between science, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. The fellow will participate in the identification, evaluation and development of technologies emerging from Cima research, with a particular focus on opportunities with potential for translation and company creation. A key part of the role will be to participate from the earliest stages in the creation and development of Cima spin-offs and start-ups, working closely with researchers, clinicians, investors, industry partners and the Technology Transfer and Innovation team. The position is specifically designed as a development pathway towards future entrepreneurial and leadership roles. The fellow will receive an individualized training plan, combining internal mentoring and hands-on experience at Cima with selected external training in entrepreneurship, business development, strategy, fundraising, intellectual property and biotech company building. Over an expected period of approximately two years, the fellow will progressively assume greater responsibility in selected innovation projects and, depending on the project and the candidate’s experience, may contribute to the early management of a newly created start-up, including potentially acting as an interim CEO during its initial development and financing phase. Following the development and financing of a company, the fellow may evolve into an executive role within that venture or into a leadership role in another Cima spin-off, depending on the needs of the company and the candidate’s development. Innovation & Technology Focus Areas The programme is open to profiles interested in translating research across Cima's strategic areas, with particular relevance to:
• Advanced gene and cell therapies arising from Cima's research programmes.
• RNA-based therapeutics and delivery platforms arising from Cima's research programmes.
• Immuno-oncology and next-generation immunotherapies arising from Cima's research programmes.
• Diagnostics, biomarkers and precision medicine tools arising from Cima's research programmes.
• Artificial intelligence and digital health applications arising from Cima's research programmes.
• Medical devices and other translational biomedical technologies arising from Cima's research programmes. Candidates with a strong scientific background who are motivated to work across these areas from a business and innovation perspective, rather than a purely academic one, are especially encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities
• Identify, evaluate and prioritise technologies emerging from Cima research with translational and commercial potential.
• Participate from the earliest stages in the creation and development of Cima spin-offs and start-ups.
• Work closely with researchers, clinicians, investors and industry partners to structure innovation projects.
• Progressively take on greater responsibility within selected innovation projects as the programme advances.
• Contribute to the early-stage management of newly created start-ups, potentially including an interim CEO role during initial development and financing.
• Support fundraising, business development and intellectual property activities in coordination with the Technology Transfer and Innovation team.
• Help build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders relevant to venture creation, including industry partners and investors. About Cima The Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (Cima) of the Universidad de Navarra is an internationally recognised translational biomedical research institute, founded in 2004. Cima is a leading institution in advanced therapies, personalised medicine and precision medicine, with a strong focus on immunotherapy, gene and cell therapies, and RNA
- and DNA-based medicine. The centre maintains strategic alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies, including Roche, Moderna, AstraZeneca and BioNTech, as well as with internationally renowned academic institutions. The close integration between Cima and Clínica Universidad de Navarra provides a unique ecosystem to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into real improvements in patient care, and offers a distinctive environment for the development of biomedical innovation and spin-off creation.

How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
• Full curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter, including their interest in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
• A brief description of relevant scientific, technology transfer or entrepreneurial achievements.
• Contact details of academic or professional references. Commitment to Equal Opportunities Cima is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and scientific excellence, and promotes equal opportunities based on talent and merit, under principles of transparency and merit (OTM-R), in line with the HRS4R Seal awarded by the European Commission to institutions that generate and support a stimulating and favourable environment for researchers. Applications are expressly encouraged from researchers under criteria of scientific merit, potential, leadership and impact. This position forms part of the talent attraction initiatives outlined in our Strategic Research Plan and is funded through the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence Programme (CEX2025-001586-S). The aim of this initiative is to strengthen the Centre’s capabilities and further consolidate its international scientific leadership. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining talented individuals who wish to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and to the service of society. We believe that research excellence is enriched by the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and personal and professional backgrounds. We therefore encourage applications from all qualified candidates who share our commitment to scientific excellence, the pursuit of knowledge, and the generation of societal impact. Requirements We are looking for
• PhD in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, pharmacy, medicine or a related field.
• Strong scientific background and ability to understand and evaluate biomedical technologies.
• Genuine interest in technological innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, initiative and strong learning capacity.
• Ability to work across scientific, clinical and business environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High motivation to develop a career beyond the traditional academic pathway. Previous experience in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, biotech, business development or pharmaceutical development will be highly valued, but is not essential. Candidates with specific knowledge of a Cima technology or project, or previous experience in technology transfer, may progress more rapidly through the programme. Personal Qualities We Value This programme is designed for candidates who have recently completed their PhD, not for people who already have an established profile in innovation or entrepreneurship: full training will be provided in-house, working side by side with Cima's Technology Transfer and Innovation team. We will especially value:
• Genuine curiosity about how scientific research turns into technologies, products or companies.
• Willingness to learn technology transfer, business development and venture-building skills “on the job”, through mentoring and hands-on experience.
• Comfort with uncertainty and initiative when working in a fast-changing, non-academic environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, useful for working with researchers, clinicians and, later on, industry partners and investors. Any prior contact with the world of innovation or entrepreneurship (an elective course, a business plan competition, an internship, a side project) will be seen positively, but is a plus, not a requirement.

What We Offer
• Integration into Cima’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Unit.
• Direct involvement in the creation and development of Cima spin-offs and start-ups from their earliest stages.
• An individualized internal and external training programme designed around the fellow’s development needs and the projects in which they participate.
• Mentoring and exposure to the different aspects of technology transfer, venture building, business development and fundraising.
• A potential pathway towards founding and executive leadership roles in future Cima spin-offs.
• An expected initial two-year development period, with flexibility depending on previous experience and progress.
• Integration into a leading translational biomedical research institute with an established international profile.
• Access to Cima's scientific ecosystem, including its research divisions, core facilities and clinical partnership with Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
• Exposure to Cima's network of industry partners, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and to its Industrial Advisory Board.