Manager of Depertment of Medicine
University of Antwerp
Belgium

Department: AVD Valorisation Domain – Infectious Diseases & Environmental Health
Regime: Full-time
Institution: University of Antwerp

About the University

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university, home to more than 20,000 students and over 6,000 employees from 100+ countries. Through innovative education, pioneering research, and societal engagement, the University plays a leading role in shaping the future.

To support the commercial deployment of the newly established Service Platform for Mucin RNA Isoform Detection—used in diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)—the University is seeking a Business Development Manager with strong expertise in life sciences commercialization and global industry partnerships.

The business plan for the platform is approved, and implementation is ready to begin. The platform aims to deliver commercial services for companies developing IBD treatments in pre-clinical and early clinical stages.

This position is based at the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP) and reports to Antwerp Valorization & Development (AVD), with a dotted reporting line to the scientific leads at LEMP.

Job Description

1. Strategic Business Development

• Lead and implement the platform’s business development strategy based on the approved business plan.

• Convert high-impact science into commercial collaborations and oversee customer projects in cooperation with the Project Manager.

• Define business development and key account plans in collaboration with scientific and technical teams.

2. Partnership Development & Deal Management

• Build and manage partnerships with pharma, biotech, and CRO companies, as well as Key Opinion Leaders.

• Grow relationships across multiple levels within key organisations.

• Negotiate and close commercial deals, collaboration agreements, and partnerships in line with business plan projections.

• Coordinate closely with legal, finance, procurement, IP, and technical teams to ensure smooth deal execution.

• Serve as the primary business point of contact and escalation pathway for strategic partners.

3. Ecosystem Engagement & Representation

• Represent the platform at trade shows, conferences, scientific meetings, and partnering events (national and international).

• Actively contribute to relevant networks to promote platform capabilities.

• Facilitate executive-level alignment across stakeholders and partners.

4. Internal Coordination

• Monitor progress against the approved business plan and report to stakeholders, AVD management, and the AVD Board.

• Maintain oversight of platform research activities.

• Collaborate with UAntwerp’s Tech Transfer Office, Legal Office, and Finance.

5. External Communications

• Develop and manage the communication plan for the platform.

• Coordinate creation of marketing materials (flyers, website content, slide decks, LinkedIn page, social media).

• Manage interactions with internal and external marketing communication offices.

Profile

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.

• PhD or MBA is an asset.

• 3–5 years of experience in business development, product management, or product marketing.

• Proven track record in the life sciences ecosystem, particularly in (pre-)clinical development.

• Experience with international partnerships, key-account management, and contract negotiations.

• Experience in academic or translational research environments is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Ability to translate scientific concepts into business opportunities.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Proactive, solution-oriented, and hands-on mindset.

• Skilled in negotiation and contract management.

• Able to work both independently and collaboratively.

Languages

• Fluency in English is essential.

• Knowledge of Dutch or other languages is an asset.

Mobility

• Willingness to travel for business purposes (up to 30%).

What We Offer

• One-year employment contract, renewable upon positive evaluation and platform progress.

• Planned start date: March 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

• Competitive salary based on the University’s BAP pay scale, depending on experience and seniority.

• Benefits include ecocheques, internet allowance, group insurance, income protection insurance, bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement.

• Work partly at Campus Drie Eiken, within a flexible, dynamic, and stimulating environment (hybrid work possible).

• 40 vacation days + 1-week collective closure between Christmas and New Year.

• Extensive staff benefits and career development opportunities.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform by January 5, 2026 (midnight Brussels time).
Applicants must upload:

• Motivation letter

• Academic CV

After the deadline, the selection committee will review all applications. Interviews are scheduled for January 22 or 23, 2026. You will be notified of the next steps if shortlisted.

Contact

• Questions about the job: Prof. Annemieke Smet (Annemieke.smet@uantwerpen.be)

• Questions about the online application: jobs@uantwerpen.be

The University of Antwerp holds the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and is committed to sustainability, staff development, and equal opportunities. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

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