Passionate about life sciences? Eager to work with world class scientists, biotech entrepreneurs and investors to build promising new ventures based on groundbreaking science from within VIB?
Then you're the colleague we're looking for!
VIB is a leading life sciences research institute based in Belgium, operating in close partnership with the Flemish universities and renowned for its work in medical sciences, plant biology, microbiology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. VIB's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, transform it into disruptive biotech innovations and support the growth of the life sciences ecosystem in Flanders (Belgium).
VIB drives the translation of research discoveries into innovative products and technologies for patients and society. It does so by launching new spin-offs, licensing intellectual property to companies, engaging in dynamic partnerships and fostering talent development.
VIB has created >40 spin-offs such as Confo Therapeutics, Augustine Tx, Tanai Tx, Orionis Biosciences and many more, attracting almost €2 billion in equity investment and has partnered intensely with private industry, generating over €350 million in income. VIB’s research has led to dozens of innovative products brought to market for medical, agriculture, and food applications, with many more in development. Eight of its spin-off companies have reached the clinical stage.
VIB’s Innovation & Business team (VIB I&B) consists of industry trained IP, business development, new venture and drug discovery professionals supported by a highly skilled administrative and paralegal team. The team is highly complementary and works closely together to create value out of the scientific inventions from the institute. To further strengthen and expand its activities, VIB I&B is seeking a new venture manager to join the new venture subteam.
Job Description
We are looking for a highly motivated pro-active colleague of proven maturity in a professional environment and a strong scientific background and interest in human health and disease focused life sciences. In particular, you will be responsible to drive the academia to venture transition for scientific innovations arising from VIB. You will work closely together with scientists, drug developers, entrepreneurs, IP specialists, legal counsel and investors.
What you’ll do:
- Identifying opportunities for novel venture creation based on research conducted by VIB PIs. Focus will be on human therapeutics, drug development, including novel drug modalities, novel technologies and in silico/computational approaches.
- Familiarize yourself with the scientific subject matter
- Coordinate and lead incubating start-up projects from start till incorporation including
- Analyse patent portfolio, do competitive analysis/landscaping, identify differentiators and USP
- Assist the PIs in obtaining valorisation focused grants.
- Identify key proof of concept data minimally required to show potential of the invention
- Coordinate scientific projects to create sufficient proof of concept data in collaboration and discussion with the scientists
- Work out business plans
- Generate pitch decks for fundraising
- Identify future management teams
- Coordinate fundraising activities with future management and scientists
- Negotiate investment term sheet and all transaction documents on behalf of VIB
Who you are
- Dedicated to proactively translate basic science into a new venture.
- PhD in life sciences and >10 year experience in human life sciences research. Experience or an interest in computational biology and or drug development is a plus.
- Broad scientific interest and the ability to deep-dive into scientific content
- Basic understanding of intellectual property and patents
- At least 3 years’ experience in a corporate biotech environment, preferentially a drug development company, or in a life science focused investment fund.
- Experience in business development or IP management is a plus
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Dutch language proficiency is a plus
- Strong analytical skills
- Self-motivated and upbeat team player
- Entrepreneurial and hands-on mentality
- Enthusiasm and energy (the “fun” factor )
- Resilient and capable to adapt to changing situations
We offer you
- A professional and stimulating working environment where colleagues take full ownership of projects and guide them to success in a creative 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?
Please apply via the VIB online application tool before 30 June.
