KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) is a team of 150 passionate professionals who support researchers in transforming their innovative ideas and technologies into impactful products and services. For several years in a row, KU Leuven has been named the most innovative university in Europe by Reuters. LRD plays a key role in this by bridging the gap between leading academic research and society, particularly the business world.
Through knowledge and technology transfer, LRD strengthens the social and economic impact of scientific breakthroughs—regionally, nationally, and internationally. With in-depth expertise in collaboration agreements, the protection and management of patents and licenses, the establishment and guidance of spin-off companies, and the support of regional innovation initiatives, LRD guides researchers throughout the entire research valorization process. In this way, LRD aims to maximize the societal and economic potential of research.
Website unit
Responsibilities
About the role
To strengthen the Spin-off & Innovation Unit, which focuses within LRD on the creation and growth of new companies based on KU Leuven technology, we are seeking a driven colleague. You will work at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and investment, and play a key role in transforming research into impactful companies.
You will work closely with researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industrial partners to develop innovative ideas into scalable ventures.
Venture building & spin-off creation
- You identify and evaluate new opportunities for spin-off creation within life sciences, biotech, and healthtech;
- You guide research teams and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing business cases and venture strategies;
- You play an active role in the co-creation of new ventures, from idea to launch;
- You define and monitor critical milestones related to scientific, clinical, and commercial validation;
- You help build strong founding teams and governance structures.
Funding & deal making
- You support and guide fundraising processes, from pre-seed and seed to follow-up financing;
- You build relationships with investors (VCs, corporate venture capital firms, business angels, and public funds);
- You participate in negotiations regarding valuation, shareholder structures, and deal terms;
- You work closely with legal and IP experts to structure sound IP deals.
Portfolio management & value creation
- You actively monitor spin-offs and support their growth, managing KU Leuven’s equity stake in some cases as an observer or board member;
- You monitor performance and contribute to achieving strategic objectives;
- You facilitate access to expertise, talent, partners, and capital.
Business development & ecosystem
- You identify new opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization;
- You initiate collaborations between research groups, companies, and other stakeholders;
- You actively contribute to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem around KU Leuven.
Profile
- You hold a master’s degree in life sciences (bio-engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, etc.) or have equivalent experience, possibly supplemented by management training;
- You have at least 5 years of experience or a strong affinity for venture building, startups, investments, or technology transfer;
- You understand the dynamics of bio- and health tech development (R&D, clinical, regulatory, market);
- You possess strong analytical skills and can structure complex issues and translate them into clear decisions;
- You are entrepreneurial, proactive, and comfortable in a rapidly evolving environment;
- You have strong stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills;
- You have excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, both verbal and written;
- Experience in a PhD trajectory or conducting PhD-level research is a plus.
Offer
- We are offering a full-time, permanent position in the heart of Leuven;
- A competitive, market-based salary with additional benefits such as hospitalization insurance, group insurance, additional holidays, a bicycle allowance, bike leasing, free public transportation, ecocheques, and a teleworking allowance;
- A challenging role at LRD, a leading European venture builder in deep tech and life sciences;
- Impact: you’ll actively help build spin-off companies that generate social and economic impact;
- A strong international network of researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors;
- Opportunities for professional growth through on-the-job learning and targeted training programs;
- We provide training opportunities relevant to the position, with room for professional growth.
More information
https://lrd.kuleuven.be
Interested?
For more information about the job description, please contact Mrs. Ilse Sienaert, mail: [email protected]. More information needed about the selection procedure, please contact Mrs. Lieve Mommaerts, mail: [email protected]
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
