Description
Are you passionate about life sciences valorisation? Are you ready to make a real impact by translating the inventions of our world class scientists into applications in the field of Life Sciences; and more specifically related to technological innovations? Then you're the colleague we're looking for! Come and join a skilled and engaging Innovation & Business team dedicated to drive the academia-to-industry transition for VIB innovations.
VIB is an entrepreneurial research institute in life sciences that focuses on basic science and translating scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. VIB’s Innovation & Business team manages a portfolio of +250 patent families and looks for partnering deals with the industry in a pro-active and creative way. VIB is also firmly rooted in a long-standing tradition of setting up start-up companies. Since its foundation in 1996, VIB has created >35 start-up companies. VIB is funded by the Flemish government and works in close partnership with the Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The link between basic research and valorisation has made VIB a catalyst for the ever-growing biotech hotspot in Flanders.
VIB’s Innovation & Business team consists of IP, business development, new venture and discovery sciences professionals supported by a skilled administrative and paralegal team. The team is highly complementary and works closely together to create value out of the scientific inventions from the 10 different centres within the institute.
To further strengthen and expand its Tech Transfer activities in support of Scientists at the VIB Center for Structural Biology (CSB) in Brussels and the VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB) in Gent, VIB is recruiting a center Business Development Manager.
More info on these centers can be found here: https://csb.sites.vib.be/en and https://cmb.sites.vib.be/en
Job Description
We are looking for a pro-active and enthusiastic professional, with preferably experience in industry, business or tech transfer positions in a relevant life sciences industry or research institute environment and a strong scientific and/or engineering background in technology platform development in the life sciences.
In particular, as Center Business Development Manager, you will be responsible to drive your Center’s business development activities in consultation with VIB Center scientists and innovation & business colleagues. You are ready to push ground-breaking science from the lab bench to industrial applications, guiding the projects every step along the way.
What you will do:
- Liaise and collaborate with the relevant researchers at the Centers for Structural Biology (located in Brussels) and Medical Biotechnology (located in Ghent), as well as VIB Innovation & Business colleagues in the IP management, Business Development, Discovery Sciences and New Ventures teams (located at VIB headquarters in Ghent). You will report to the VIB Head of Business Development.
- Maintain an overview of research conducted in the VIB Centers for Structural Biology and Medical Biotechnology (selection of PI’s) and identify relevant business opportunities
- Manage scientific, translational projects aimed at de-risking early scientific data to create assets that are ready for partnering
- Build and present business cases and marketing materials, with the aim to partner with industry (R&D collaborations, licensing proposals, valorisation aspects of grant applications,)
- Identify industrial research partners and /or licensees based on the centre’s patent portfolio, assets and research expertise
- Negotiate and draft agreements and term sheets with different academic and industrial parties
- Monitor the correct and timely implementation of agreements & contract follow-up (alliance management)
- Develop and maintain a network of international corporate, academic & research institute contacts
Profile
Who you are:
- Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences or health related discipline or equivalent by experience.
- A (Bio)engineering background with expertise in technology platform development or equivalent by experience is an asset.
- Broad scientific background and strong interest in (the business aspects of) translational research
- Prior experience in a relevant life sciences industry setting, and/or experience at the interface between industry and academic research is preferable
- Experience in project writing and project management is an asset
- Experience in technology transfer, translational projects, business case development and analysis is a plus
- Ability to work independently as well as in cross functional teams
- Upbeat personality with strong interpersonal, presentation and communication skills
- Fluency in English (verbally and in writing) is essential, knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
- Strong analytical skills
- Attention to detail & capability to work towards deadlines
We offer
- A professional and stimulating work environment at the cutting edge of translational science
- Flexible work arrangements
- An environment where colleagues take full ownership of projects and tasks and, as a team, guide them to success in a creative and innovative way
- An extensive network of (inter)national contacts
- Various opportunities to broaden your expertise and develop your career
- A compensation package based on expertise and experience
How to apply?
Motivated candidates should apply online.
A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:
- your cover/motivation letter
- your CV
- 2 references
