Business Development Manager Microbiology

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 in the microbiology domain? Then you’re the colleague we’re looking for! Come and join a skilled and engaging Innovation & Business team dedicated to driving 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 >30 start-up companies. VIB is funded by the Flemish government and works in close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University. 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 centers within the institute.

To further strengthen and expand its Tech Transfer activities in support of the VIB Center for Microbiology (CFM) in Leuven, VIB is recruiting a center Business Development Manager.

More info on the CFM can be found here: https://cfm.sites.vib.be/en

Job Description

We are looking for a pro-active and enthusiastic professional, with preferable experience in business or tech transfer positions in a relevant life sciences industry or research institute environment and a strong scientific background in (translational) microbiology-related life sciences.

In particular, as center Business Development Manager for the CFM, you will be responsible for driving the 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 researchers at the Center for Microbiology (located in Leuven) as well as VIB Innovation & Business colleagues in 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 Center for Microbiology 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 center’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, preferably with expertise in microbiology or equivalent by experience
• Broad scientific background and strong interest in (the business aspects of) translational research within the Microbiology field
• Prior experience in a relevant 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 a team
• 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