Do you have a passion for biosolutions and a talent for spotting groundbreaking opportunities? Are you excited about supporting start-ups and research teams that can accelerate the green transition and shape a more sustainable future?
Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute, where we are looking for an Associate to join the Venture Creation department within the Planetary Health team.
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.
As an Associate, you will become part of a passionate team of six dedicated colleagues, committed to identifying, supporting, and scaling transformative science-based ventures. Together, you will help turn early-stage innovation into real-world impact - bringing science to life by bridging academia, industry, and funding to create lasting change.
In this role, you will help scout, secure, and grow partnerships that reinforce BII’s position as a leading European incubator in industrial biotechnology. You will identify promising startups and research-based technologies, support the assessment of new opportunities, and build strategic collaborations across academia, industry, service providers, and investors. You will also contribute to the design and rollout of the Upscalator Program - an initiative supporting the green transition by accelerating the fast, seamless R&D of high-potential biosolutions.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include2. Anchoring and Venture Support3. Partnerships and Ecosystem BuildingProfessional & Personal Qualifications
- Scouting and Pipeline Development
- Identify and evaluate early-stage opportunities in biosolutions, greentech, and related areas (e.g., food, agriculture, biomaterials, biochemicals, biofuels).
- Build relationships with academic institutions, accelerators, incubators, venture investors, and research environments to source high-potential projects.
- Engage with founders and research teams to assess technological maturity, business potential, and alignment with BII’s focus areas.
- Support selected ventures through BII’s incubation programs — from application and selection to milestone delivery.
- Work closely with the internal team to design development plans, connect ventures with experts, and monitor progress.
- Contribute to investment memoranda and internal presentations for selection and review committees.
- Facilitate the transition of successful projects into independent spinouts or follow-on investment rounds.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem - including corporates, investors, public funding bodies, and research institutions.
- Represent BII at relevant conferences, events, and networks within biosolutions and greentech.
- Support strategic initiatives and cross-sector collaborations, such as the Upscalator Program, that strengthen BII’s role in accelerating green innovation
About
We seek a colleague with an entrepreneurial mindset who is curious about emerging technologies and passionate about sustainability, innovation, and impact. Besides being purpose-driven and motivated by contributing to a non-profit organization, dedicated to bringing science to life, we imagine that you bring the following competencies and skills:
- MSc or PhD in biomanufacturing, bioprocess engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field;
- At least 2 years of relevant experience
- Additional experience and network within venture capital, corporate innovation, BioSolutions startups, CROs, CDMOS, or research commercialization is a plus.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to assess both technical and commercial potential of early-stage innovations.
- Understanding of what it takes to bring biosolutions from lab to pilot and demonstrations scale, from both a technical and commercial perspective.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in English.
- Collaborative and relationship-driven with a proactive approach.
- Structured, independent, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams.
Curious for more?
If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Maria Henriques de Jesus, Principal via e-mail: mdj@bii.dk or phone: +45 52 76 65 73.
To apply, please send your CV and answer the mandatory questionnaire by clicking on the “Apply now” button.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible and no later than
February 3rd.
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 February.
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.
