Do you thrive at the intersection of research, investors and industry – and want to turn those connections into startups that tackle the planet's biggest challenges? And are you excited about helping build BII’s presence in the Danish innovation ecosystem?
Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute, where we are looking for a Principal to join the Planetary Health team in our Venture Creation department and anchor BII’s presence in Århus.
Your Opportunity to Join BII!
The BioInnovation Institute (BII) is a non-profit foundation established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018. Its mission is to accelerate research and startups to bring forward bold solutions that improve human and planetary health. BII supports collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation across Life Sciences and Deep Tech, helping transform cutting-edge research into viable companies so that new discoveries can deliver real impact for people and society.
As a Principal, you will join BII’s Planetary Health team, one of three specialist teams in our Venture Creation department alongside Human Health and Quantum. The role is regionally mandated: you will be BII’s face in the Århus/Jutland ecosystem, working closely with universities, tech transfer offices, the local science park and incubators, investors, and industry partners, while collaborating closely with your Venture colleagues across different locations. You will build a pipeline of promising research projects and early-stage startups, guide them into BII’s programs, and help shape how BII supports innovation in the region.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Establish and deepen BII’s presence and support in the Århus/Jutland innovation ecosystem
- Act as BII’s representative in the region – take a seat in local committees, represent BII at events and work closely with local business development and tech transfer functions
- Own, develop and maintain meaningful relationships with key regional stakeholders, including university leadership and commercialization functions, departments and research groups, the local science park and incubator environment, regional funding agencies, investors and industry partners
- Source and develop a pipeline of qualified research-stage projects and early-stage startups from the region against the entry criteria for BII’s funding programs
- Guide regional applicants through BII’s assessment and onboarding processes in collaboration with your colleagues in the Venture Creation department across different locations
- Generate intelligence on regional research activity, funding dynamics and talent
- Run day-to-day operations, business activities and internal processes within your field, and help optimize processes and approaches
- Provide support across the organization as well as professional sparring and coaching to colleagues
Professional & Personal Qualifications
We are looking for an experienced venture builder, motivated to bring science to life in planetary health. Ideally, you bring the following competencies:
- A Master’s degree in a field relevant to the role
- 10+ years of relevant experience, including a demonstrated track record of supporting and/or driving the commercialization of life science innovations, e.g. at a VC/investor, start-up, accelerator or TTO
- A track record of sourcing, assessing or maturing early-stage, research-based projects towards spin-out and investment, e.g. from universities, incubators or accelerators
- The ability to evaluate scientific and technical propositions from a commercial perspective and to distinguish research projects from venture-backable projects
- A demonstrated network within the Danish research and innovation ecosystem as well as the wider Scandinavian/EU area
- Experience operating autonomously at a distance from a central team, with full accountability for outcomes
- Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to build good relationships, and to work as part of a team
- Proficiency in English at a professional level, both written and spoken
You will be one of two BII Principals in Århus, alongside our Principal (Human Health, Therapeutics), and part of a growing team across Copenhagen and our international hubs. You should therefore be comfortable working independently and collaborating across locations.
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.
BII is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N. From Copenhagen, the Secretariat supports strategy, governance, and coordination across BII’s international activities.
This position is based in Århus. From here, you will help build BII's presence in Jutland with a high degree of local autonomy and collaborate closely with the Venture Creation team.
See our open positions at BII on our career page or on LinkedIn.
Equal Opportunities
At BII, we believe innovation starts with people. As a community of changemakers, we believe the best ideas emerge when people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences come together around a shared purpose.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace built on equal opportunities, where everyone can thrive and where pay is fair, equitable, and based on the principle of equal pay for equal work. We welcome all applications regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic background.
Curious for more?
If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Christan Brix, Director of the Planetary Health team, at CBT@bii.dk.
To apply, please send your CV and academic certificate(s) 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 23rd of October.
The interview process is expected to take place in November. The preferred start date is around January 2027; however, we are flexible and will consider individual notice periods and availability.
