Do you thrive where bioscience leadership meets real-world scale-up, taking innovations from lab to market?
Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute (BII), where we are looking for a Director to lead our new Upscalator initiative.
Your Opportunity to Join 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.
Upscalator is a new initiative anchored at the BII that helps European start-ups scale up innovative biosolutions, accelerating the Green Transition. Upscalator offers access to biomanufacturing expertise, facilities, and financing to speed up the development of sustainable technologies. The program includes advisory services, a Process Design Unit equipped with screening, fermentation, and analytical equipment, a network of validated upscaling service providers, and tailored funding instruments for start-ups. Upscalator targets early-stage biosolutions start-ups operating in food, agriculture, chemicals, materials, and related sectors.
As a Director, you will become part of a passionate organization with dedicated colleagues, all united by the ambition of bringing science to life. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to make a real difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Run day-to-day operations of the Upscalator initiative
- Lead the establishment of the new Process Design Unit at BII and lead the operations of the unit
- Manage the upscaling advisory function supporting start-ups
- Manage the relationships with external pilot scale production facilities and other key stakeholders
- Optimize processes and approaches related to the Upscalator initiative
- Act as the leading domain expert on upscaling of biosolutions at BII
- Provide professional sparring and coaching to team members
- Contribute to raising additional funds for biosolutions initiatives at BII
Professional & Personal Qualifications
We seek a colleague who is driven by purpose and motivated to contribute to a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing science to life. Ideally, you bring the following competencies and skills:
- PhD/Master’s degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or other relevant field
- 10+ years of industrial experience, including hands-on bioprocess development experience and team leadership experience
- Proven track record of upscaling biosolutions products from lab to commercial scale.
- Experience in developing new functions and in elevating people and organizations to the next level
- Understanding of the biosolutions industry and the value chains related to the biosolutions business
- Demonstrated managerial experience with clear results in leading and developing teams
- Possesses a strong network within the bioprocessing community including academia, industry, startups and contract manufacturing organizations
- Preferentially background for ecosystem building and community management
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Besides the above, you’re great at building meaningful partnerships externally and internally, and bringing out the best in a small, ambitious team.
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 every day 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.
Curious for more?
If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Markus Herrgård, Chief Technology Officer on e-mail: mjh@bii.dk or phone: +45 2492 1780.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter by clicking on the “Apply now” button. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible no later than
January 4th, 2026.
You can expect to hear from us after the application deadline, once the hiring team has reviewed all applications. We expect the interview process consisting of two interviews to take place during January, and the estimated start date to be in March, 2026.
