DescriptionAre 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/enJob DescriptionWe 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 opportunitiesManage scientific, translational projects aimed at de-risking early scientific data to create assets that are ready for partneringBuild 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 expertiseNegotiate and draft agreements and term sheets with different academic and industrial partiesMonitor the correct and timely implementation of agreements & contract follow-up (alliance management)Develop and maintain a network of international corporate, academic & research institute contactsProfileWho you are:Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences or health-related discipline, preferably with expertise in microbiology or equivalent by experienceBroad scientific background and strong interest in (the business aspects of) translational research within the Microbiology fieldPrior experience in a relevant industry-setting, and/or experience at the interface between industry and academic research is preferableExperience in project writing and project management is an assetExperience in technology transfer, translational projects, business case development and analysis is a plusAbility to work independently as well as in a teamUpbeat personality with strong interpersonal, presentation and communication skillsFluency in English (verbally and in writing) is essential, knowledge of Dutch is an asset.Strong analytical skillsAttention to detail & capability to work towards deadlinesWe offerA professional and stimulating work environment at the cutting edge of translational scienceFlexible work arrangementsAn environment where colleagues take full ownership of projects and tasks and, as a team, guide them to success in a creative and innovative wayAn extensive network of (inter)national contactsVarious opportunities to broaden your expertise and develop your careerA compensation package based on expertise and experienceHow to apply?Motivated candidates should apply online.A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:your cover/motivation letteryour CV2 references
