In this position, you will set the direction for the business development and funding strategy, ensuring a strong pipeline of high-value innovation projects. By leading a motivated team of business development professionals, you will not only secure diverse funding streams but also create the partnerships that bring science closer to patients. Working at the crossroads of academia, biotech, pharma, and investment, you will play a central role in turning groundbreaking research into real-world healthcare solutions. Your responsibilities will include defining and executing a comprehensive business development and funding strategy in line with organisational goals, while building and maintaining relationships with pharmaceutical, biotech, investment, grant, and philanthropic stakeholders. You will be responsible for securing funding from both public and private sources, and supporting project teams with business cases, partnership models, and commercialisation strategies. In addition, you will represent the organisation at national and international industry events, mentor and guide the business development team, and oversee project intake processes to ensure quality and due diligence readiness. Finally, you will monitor progress, funding performance, and risks, reporting directly to senior leadership.

We are seeking a relationship-focused leader with a deep understanding of the life sciences landscape, skilled at bridging science, business, and funding in complex stakeholder environments.• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in life sciences, ideally with expertise in an oncology-related field;• More than 6 years of experience in business development, fundraising, or strategic partnerships within life sciences;• Solid knowledge of preclinical drug development processes;
• Proven success in securing funding and managing public-private partnerships;• Experience working with grant agencies, investors, or venture capital;• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Fluent in English, spoken and written, and preferably also proficient in Dutch;

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within an ambitious, nationally recognised innovation programme in the Randstad area. You will join a mission-driven environment where your expertise directly accelerates breakthrough healthcare solutions, shaping partnerships and strategies that make a tangible difference for patients. • High-impact leadership role with direct influence on strategy and partnerships in a programme backed by substantial long-term national funding• Chance to shape a large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiative uniting leading Dutch research institutes, universities, and medical centres• Mission-driven culture focused on translating breakthrough oncology research into tangible patient benefit• Collaborate with talented colleagues and international partners, building consortia and attracting global investment• Flexible hybrid work model with a centrally located office in the Randstad• Competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with seniority and market standards