Scientific Business Developer / Entrepreneur Scientist (Diagnostic Nanotools, DINA)

Diagnostic Nanotools is a research group based at Vall d’Hebron Hospital (Barcelona, Spain). Our aim is to develop and validate novel detection strategies with diagnostic purposes https://vhir.vallhebron.com/es/investigacion/diagnostic-nanotools-dina; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eva_Baldrich).

WE ARE SEARCHING for a Full-time Scientific Business Developer / Entrepreneur Scientist with strong scientific background, expertise in technology transfer or entrepreneurship, and a strong business development mindset to join an “Innovadors” project funded by AGAUR (Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain). This program provides funding to contract a professional over 18 months to carry activities that facilitate transfer and implementation of technologies under development. The candidate will join a research line devoted to the development of a synthetic reagent to substitute erythrocytes in the hemagglutination assays, which are used worldwide for the global surveillance of influenza viruses (more information here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acssensors.0c01830). Besides field validation and business development activities, the candidate will be trained in innovation, technology transfer and company creation, offered by AGAUR.

Immediate incorporation.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

Degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or similar disciplines.

Desired:

Master in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or similar disciplines.
PhD or >5 years of professional experience in one of these disciplines will be considered a plus.

Experience and knowledge:

Experience in one or more of the following fields will be prioritized.

Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition assays for virus detection.
Optimization and performance of particle-based bioassays.
Glycomics and polysaccharide modification (chemically and/or enzymatically).
Technology field validation.
Technology transfer to the industry or business development.
Creation of spin-of companies.
Previous experience or training in technology transfer, business development and implementation. Previous experience in the industry or training in project management will be highly valued.
Publications or patents as the first author and previous stages abroad will be viewed positively.
Strong command of English (written and spoken) and Spanish proficiency.
Technically skilled, organized, creative, with high autonomy level, multidisciplinary profile and high communication skills.
Willingness to travel and participate in national or international short visits for field validation or business development purposes.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Our Research Group has produced a synthetic reagent, “Synthrocytes”, to substitute erythrocytes in the hemagglutination assays used for the global surveillance of influenza viruses. The candidate will participate in technical tasks and will lead activities directed to facilitate synthrocyte technology transfer and eventual implementation, such as:

Field validation of the synthrocyte technology, in collaboration with other team members and researchers of 4 National Influenza Centres (production of synthrocytes, agglutination tests to detect influenza viruses).
Identification of the existing internal regulations, processes and selection terms and procedures for technology evaluation and acquisition by international organisms (WHO, ECDC).
Identification of key-players and decision-makers at national, European (EU, ECDC) and international level (WHO, CDC) and establishment of contacts to make visible the syntrocyte technology to the members of the global and European networks working in influenza surveillance.
Identifying and contacting industrial partners with interest in synthrocyte production, commercialization and/or use.
Identifying funding sources to stabilize public-private consortiums for synthrocyte improvement, transfer and implementation.
Definition of business model and distribution strategy for these alliances (business global volume, economic viability, environmental sustainability).
The candidate may also participate the identification and development of alternative applications for the synthrocyte technology.

Labour conditions:

Full-time position: 40h/week.
Starting date: immediate (candidates with valid European work permit will be prioritized).
Gross annual salary: 29.000 - 30.000 euros (Depending on the candidate profile and expertise. Salary ranges are consistent with our Collective Agreement pay scale)
Contract: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to the project activities.
Applicants should submit a full CV, a cover letter, and the data of two potential referees.

What can we offer?

Incorporation to Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the biggest hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
A scientific environment of excellence, highly dynamic, where high-end biomedical projects are continuously developed.
Continuous learning and a wide range of responsibilities within a stimulating work environment.
Individual training opportunities.
Flexible working hours.
23 days of holidays + 9 personal days.
Flexible Remuneration Program (including dining checks, health insurance, transportation and more)
Corporate Benefits: platform through which you can obtain significant discounts on travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports... among many others.
Healthy Offering: choose from a variety of wellbeing focused activities to be the healthiest you.

Deadline to apply: 07-09-2025

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organization, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.