Are you motivated by the notion of bringing science to life and becoming the future CEO of a new startup? Then we have an exciting opportunity as EiR to drive a project in the biochemical field towards company creation within three years!
One of BII’s upcoming Bio Studio projects in the biochemicals field is looking for an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) to lead the project from ideation to spin-out within three years. If you’re excited about the idea of leading a new venture, it could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The EiR Role
As an EiR, you will join the Bio Studio program, which supports early-stage research projects in becoming independent life science start-up companies within three years. Our ambition is to launch five projects annually across human health and planetary health, sourcing innovative research from principal investigators and universities worldwide.
In this role, you will lead a high-impact, innovative project in Planetary Health, focusing on biosolutions. Specifically, you will drive the development of a biosynthetic platform for production of commodity and specialty chemicals from CO2 derived acetate. Your mission is to translate this cutting-edge research into a viable startup within the three-year timeframe of the Bio Studio program.
Working from our premises in Copenhagen, you'll play a central role in building and leading a dedicated team, cultivating a strong venture-ready environment, and collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator to ensure a solid scientific foundation with strong market potential. This is a unique opportunity to lead an exciting, innovative project creating transformative solutions that accelerate the green transition, all while building a pioneering company from the ground up.
Main responsibilities:
- Liaise with Principal Investigator and Research Institute (Remote)
- Manage project strategy development including development of business plan, and clear prioritization of platform outputs (first products).
- Project execution through milestone and budget planning and monitoring.
- Engaging with key stakeholders including industry experts and peers, subject matter experts, regulatory authorities, and the Scientific Advisory Board (to be created).
- Conduct customer/consumer surveys to drive decision making.
- Fundraising and creation/maintenance of industry partnerships.
- People management of project team; ensuring team cohesion and high motivation and morale.
- Chairing quarterly Project Board meetings.
- Building the ecosystem; participating in due diligence processes within BII and increasing awareness of BII’s projects where required.
Professional & Personal Qualifications
We are looking for a compassionate leader motivated by bringing science to life within biosolutions. Besides solid business development, project management, and people management experience, the ideal candidate also brings a strong industry network. Other than these skills and experiences, we imagine that you have:
- PhD or MSc level in a relevant field (e.g., Biochemical Engineering, Metabolic Engineering) or educational background within business paired with extensive experience working in the life sciences sector (within the biochemical field, including fundraising experience).
- 10+ years of experience within the life science sector (ideally within biochemistry).
- Demonstrated experience and capability to drive projects at the intersection of business and science (e.g., business development, project management/director, or CEO position, or proven experience in founding or building (early-stage) startups.
- Knowledge and proven experience of the biochemical/chemical/green chemical industry.
- Experience establishing and maintaining industry partnerships, including contract negotiation with external parties.
- Strong team player with the capability of taking a project lead and growing into a CEO role at company spinout.
- Exceptional communication skills both regarding presenting to internals/externals and during interpersonal interactions.
- Fluent in written and oral (scientific) English.
Besides a strong interest in bringing science to life, especially within the biochemical industry and the green transition, you are known as a professional and quality-conscious leader. You are able to confidently lead projects while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to work independently and make decisions.
Working at BII
At BII we offer a purpose-driven community where science and innovation create meaningful change and impact in society. BII’s entrepreneurial environment is shaped and nurtured daily by our employees, start-ups, and everyone who joins us in bringing science to life. This role offers a unique opportunity to join Europe’s largest innovation and incubation initiative within life sciences and deep tech.
At BII, we value diversity, inclusion, and well-being at the core of our operations, believing that the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives unite. Join us to work alongside passionate changemakers in a dynamic, supportive environment where you can grow, shape the future of life sciences, and make a meaningful impact.
Located in the heart of Copenhagen, our offices provide an inspiring setting for collaboration and innovation. You can find us at Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N.
See our open positions at BII on our career page or on LinkedIn.
Application and Information
For more information, please contact Taylor Cooney, Senior Associate within Science Strategy, via e-mail: tco@bii.dk or on the phone: +45 2092 8914. The deadline for applying is May 4th, 2025 (4 pm CEST).
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by clicking on the “Apply now” button.
About BII
Established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018, BII promotes collaborative, interdisciplinary, research-based innovation in the Life Sciences, Quantum Science, and Deep Tech and helps build viable start-up companies to ensure that such innovations become widely available for the benefit of people and society.
