Vacature Business Developer

The Knowledge Transfer & Contracting department of the Netherlands Cancer Institute is recruiting a:

Business Developer
Amsterdam

The Netherlands Cancer Institute (Dutch abbreviation: ‘NKI’) combines an excellent fundamental cancer research organization with a specialized cancer hospital in the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Netherlands. NKI is highly regarded internationally for the quality of its research and is characterized by a dynamic, informal, and international work environment in which employee initiatives are highly valued and supported.

Knowledge Transfer & Contracting :
The Knowledge Transfer & Contracting department of NKI (‘KT&C’) helps both fundamental cancer researchers and clinicians to conclude research-related contracts, both with other academic research institutions as well as with industry and for both pre-clinical and clinical research. In addition, KT&C is charged with maximizing the chances that the Institute’s research results find application in healthcare.
One of NKI’s main aims is to see its scientific breakthroughs being turned into novel products and services that benefit cancer patients. KT&C manages the patent portfolio and other intellectual property assets of the institute and actively engages with life science and healthcare companies, entrepreneurs and biotech investors who have the commitment and resources to turn our research output into innovative products and bring them to market. In addition, KT&C also handles all consultancy agreements for the institute and has a sizeable portfolio of research materials that it licenses to industry.

NKI participates in a new, nationwide initiative called ‘Biotechbooster’, which is funded by a 250M€ grant from the Dutch National Growth Fund (‘Nationaal Groeifonds’). Biotechbooster aims to generate more and higher-quality spin-off companies based on biotech innovations. NKI, through its KT&C department, participates in several of the ‘Thematic Clusters’ within the Biotechbooster initiative that deal with such innovations in the medical field.
To support its role within this initiative, KT&C is looking for business developers who are highly motivated to contribute to the mission of our organization and that of Biotechbooster.

The role:
The role of Business Developer will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate working both within the KT&C team and within a Biotechbooster team that operates nationally and is led by the coordinator of one of the Thematic Clusters. He/she will thus report both to the head of KT&C as well as to this coordinator.

Job requirements
The role covers a broad spectrum of activities and tasks:

• Evaluating research results for commercial potential and protection of intellectual property.
• Conducting market research, and identifying and approaching potential licensing/co-development partners.
• Negotiating license and research contracts, supported by KT&C’s legal team.
• Keeping abreast of developments in cancer research and in relevant industry sectors.
• Monitoring correct follow-up of commercial and research contacts.
• Supporting researchers and clinicians in their interactions with third parties.
• Performing due diligence on assets (IP, data, materials) that are the subject of interest from external parties.
• Providing training on IP matters and other aspects that are relevant to the work of NKI researchers.
• Assisting in setting up new companies that aim to develop and commercialize novel products relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
• Developing and maintaining an extensive network within NKI and bridging network to:
  • industry partners,
  • investors/entrepreneurs,
  • Knowledge Transfer staff at other research organizations,
  • funding bodies for cancer research,
  • governmental organizations,
  • service providers such as patent attorneys, law firms, etc.

Given the nationwide remit of the Biotechbooster program, the successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently to other research organizations within the Netherlands and may spend up to 50% of his/her time outside of the NKI.

What do we expect from you?
You are expected to be able to support a professional organization at a high-quality level. You have extensive knowledge of molecular (cancer) biology, preferably gained as part of a completed PhD program, that allows you to have in-depth discussions with researchers on their research findings.
You are knowledgeable and preferably have experience in evaluating research findings for commercial potential; in protecting intellectual property (e.g. through patent applications) and in the further development and commercialization of such research findings. You are market-oriented and ideally already have some experience as a negotiator. We expect you to be an excellent communicator, particularly in English (both verbal and in writing), with good social skills and to be a self-starting, independent and flexible worker.

What do we offer?
The position will initially be offered as a contract for a period up to the end of 2025, which marks the end of the initial funding phase of Biotechbooster, but to change to an open-ended contract after that initial period, subject to our satisfaction with your performance in the role and the extension of financial support for the Biotechbooster program for its full duration.

We offer a salary that is commensurate with the tasks and responsibilities that come with this role. The role is weighted at scale 65 (€4.244 - € 6.396) in the collective labour agreement for Dutch hospitals. According to this collective labour agreement, an extra 5% will be added to this salary from 1-6-2024 onward.

NKI supports your further personal development through training, which can lead to expansion of your responsibilities.

Would you like to know more?
Please visit www.nki.nl, or contact Dr. Koen Verhoef, head of Knowledge Transfer & Contracting, 020–512 1998 (direct) or 06–2279 6805 (mobile), e-mail: [email protected]

How to apply
Applications should include your cv, a motivation letter and references. Apply via the application form on our website.

The NKI values diversity and is committed to an inclusive working environment that encourages the best in every individual. Applications are welcome from all persons, regardless of age, origin, religion, disability and distance to the labor market, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Acquisition for this vacancy is not appreciated.