Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) to lead a Brain Health project at BII Bio Studio
Are you a driven entrepreneur with a passion for advancing Brain Health? Do you thrive on turning breakthrough science into a company and see yourself as the founding CEO of a new venture?
We are looking for a hands-on Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) to lead a cutting-edge Brain Health project from early-stage research to spinout. If you are motivated by building high-performing teams, shaping scientific discoveries into commercial opportunities, and driving a start-up from day one - this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact within the field of neuromuscular and CNS diseases.
Your Opportunity to Join BII’s Bio Studio Program!
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. See our programs here.
Bio Studio is BII’s company-creation program that aims to build (life) science start-ups based on world-class research. Bio Studio projects are three-year grant-funded projects sourced from leading researchers worldwide. Selected for their scientific novelty, commercial potential, and societal and/or health impact, each project is driven by a dedicated team based at BII in Copenhagen, led by an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR). Teams have access to laboratory facilities, office space, and BII’s network of industry experts, investors, and advisors to support scientific development, IP, commercialization, and fundraising.
The EiR Role
As an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) at BII, you will take full ownership of building a start-up from a cutting-edge Brain Health research project – driving it from early-stage science to a commercially viable company within three years, as part of the Bio Studio program.
This Bio Studio project is built on a novel platform that identifies druggable RNA structures and selective small molecule binders to treat neuromuscular and CNS diseases.
Working from our premises in Copenhagen, you’ll play a central role in building and leading a dedicated team, establishing vital industry partnerships, cultivating a strong venture-ready culture, and collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator to ensure a solid scientific foundation with strong market potential. You will contribute to the development of the intellectual property, company formation, and commercialization strategy, working jointly with BII, the originating research institution, and project founders. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in the important field of Brain Health while shaping a new company from the ground up.
Main Responsibilities
- Liaison with Principal Investigator and Research Institute
- Project strategy development and business planning
- Milestone planning and monitoring
- Project execution
- Fundraising
- Annual reporting of finances and met milestone for renewal of project and release of annual funding
- Contract handling with suppliers and universities supported by the Project Anchor
- Budgeting and monitoring (with help from BII controller)
- Engage with Industry and Investors through pitching, conferences, networking and more
- Stakeholder management and network building
- People management of the Project Team; ensure a coherent and motivated spinout team
- Chair of quarterly Project Board meetings
- Advisor for other projects across BII when relevant
- Ad hoc due diligence for BII programs
Professional & Personal Qualifications
We are looking for a collaborative and driven leader, motivated to build a company from the ground up and ultimately step into a potential founding CEO role. We imagine that you have the following key competencies:
- PhD level in a relevant field, e.g. RNA chemical biology, medical or life sciences, and/or strong (life) science background with proven experience in building and funding a start-up,
- 10+ years of experience in the (life) science industry,
- Experience with small-molecule drug discovery,
- Proven ability to operate at the intersection of science and business, driving projects from research to commercial opportunity,
- Solid experience in life science project management, ideally within translational and/or preclinical development,
- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills,
- Experience negotiating and managing external collaborations and contracts,
- Interest in engaging with industry and investors; prior experience is an advantage.
You bring a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and are comfortable shaping new areas, structures, and processes. You prioritize effectively based on project and business needs and are motivated by building and leading teams through the transition from academia to an entrepreneurial environment.
Curious for more?
If you are curious to know more, feel free to reach out to Peter Birk, Director, at peb@bii.dk.
To apply, please send your CV and academic certificates as well as answer the screening questions by clicking the “Apply now” button. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible and no later than April 26th.
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 science-based entrepreneurial activities, 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.
