Business Developer – Life Sciences
Luris, the knowledge transfer office of Leiden University, is looking for a Business Developer with a background in Life Sciences (0,8/1,0 fte).

As a Business Developer at Luris you translate (academic) ideas and scientific results into practical innovations. In order to do this, you scout for valuable ideas, translate them to intellectual property portfolios, do and/or manage market studies and manage relationships between academics and external partners. You help academics to build partnerships with companies and institutions with the goal of delivering a social, commercial and/or financial impact from their research activities. Such partnerships may take the form of research collaborations, technology licenses, or entrepreneurial ventures.

You look for opportunities within the Leiden academic community which can be further developed with existing or spin-out companies, and then negotiate, define and manage the different relationships and objectives to deliver specific positive results.

You have a passion for life science and technology, as well as experience in intellectual property, relationship management/account management and commercial deal making. You are goal focused and take pride in facilitating stakeholders to work together in successful collaborations.

You will work closely in a dynamic and supportive team environment, with experience in entrepreneurship, deal making, life science technology, finance, and grant development and all associated legal expertise.

What you will do
The core tasks of a Luris Business Developer are to create new opportunities, complete deals, and maintain effective relationships. To be effective you are acutely aware of stakeholders' drivers. You liaise between them and appreciate the different worlds they come from.

• Scouting of new ideas originating from Leidens’ researchers
• Creating a valorisation plan together with the researchers
• Creating a valorisation package (IP, know-how, tangible assets)
• Bringing the valorisation to practice by leading the valorisation effort

Where you will work
Luris creates and facilitates the network between Leiden academics and public and private partners, with a focus on generating impact on society from research, knowledge and innovation.

We support academics from Leiden University in their ambition to progress and develop their research. To achieve that aim, we work closely with the academics, companies, and many other stakeholders in the Leiden ecosystem.

What you bring

In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• relevant working experience in the life sciences field;
• relevant experience in bringing innovations to the market including with entrepreneurs/investors;
• experience in research related collaborative relationships and management;
• background in, or affinity with industry;
• working knowledge of Intellectual Property;
• relevant professional experience of at least three years, a PhD in Life Science or comparable experience is of benefit; and
• proficient in English (written and spoken) and working knowledge in Dutch; non-native speakers should have the ability to acquire working knowledge of Dutch within a year.

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving, and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional temporary contract depending on project funding and based on performance. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary of a minimum of € 4332,- (scale 11) and a maximum of € 6737,- (scale 12) gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected and can develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research mean inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Stéfan Ellenbroek, Manager LSH Entrepreneurship and Manager Biotech Booster TC5 at +31 6 10705608. You can apply until 13 may 2024; applications will be processed immediately.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow several steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

• We believe mobility is very important. That is why we are also publishing this vacancy internally. In case of equal suitability, we will give priority to the internal candidate.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.