Business Developer (Life Sciences) position at ACN
About the job
Location: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
FTE: 0,6-1 FTE
About ACN
The Amsterdam Chemistry Network (ACN) is a dynamic organization that fosters innovation by connecting knowledge institutes, startups, industry, and governmental and semi-governmental organizations. ACN operates as a platform that brings together key players in molecular sciences to catalyze innovation, public-private partnerships, and strengthen the regional ecosystem. ACN has two main focus areas: chemistry for sustainability and chemistry for life sciences.
ACN is supported by key stakeholders, including the University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Innovation Exchange Amsterdam, Matrix Innovation Centers, Port of Amsterdam, Argent Energy, and Chemistry NL. Within a relatively small operational team, ACN provides a high degree of freedom and autonomy, encouraging initiative and creativity to set up collaborations and grow the network.
Established three years ago, ACN's life sciences cluster has grown into an active part of the network, with a portfolio of events, consortia, and partnerships already in motion. This role is central to maintaining that momentum and shaping the vision forward.
About the Job
To strengthen ACN's impact, we are looking for an energetic and proactive professional to expand ACN's membership and network in the life sciences sector. You will support and grow our existing activities while identifying new opportunities and where ACN can create value in the Amsterdam innovation ecosystem. You will build and cultivate relationships, understand the needs of researchers and companies, connect the right people and organisations, enabling meaningful collaborations. The success of ACN depends on the engagement and commitment of its members. You will therefore play a key role in ensuring that members see clear value in being part of the network, from relevant connections and matchmaking to events, partnerships and new innovation opportunities.
AI is becoming central to how the molecular and life sciences advance. A specific part of this role is supporting the development of ChemAI, ACN's international conference on AI in material and molecular sciences, and engaging with AI experts across different domains to grow this part of the network.
Key Responsibilities
• Focus on keeping the current activities and relationships ongoing.
• Identifying opportunities and expanding ACN's network by actively engaging with life sciences and AI researchers and companies, alongside research institutions, entrepreneurs, and adjacent ecosystems.
• Understanding the scientific needs of researchers across academia and industry, and connecting industrial research challenges with the cutting-edge expertise and talent available in academic institutions.
• Develop collaborations and identify relevant funding opportunities, including public-private partnership grants, subsidies and European programmes, focusing on the ones in which ACN can join, e.g. as a dissemination partner.
• Develop compelling value propositions for prospective members, turning new leads into active members.
• Develop and organize relevant activities for the ecosystem, including networking events, roundtables, and hackathons, and support the ChemAI conference and ACID Career Fair.
This position offers a high degree of flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to shape the future of life sciences within ACN as a protagonist. You will be part of a small but dedicated team where self-initiative and ownership are highly valued. You will work daily with the rest of the ACN team, there to support you.
What We Look For
• A strong life sciences background (e.g. molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field), with the ability to interact confidently with researchers and professionals in both academia and industry, understanding their scientific needs.
• A strong knowledge of, or a personal network within, the life sciences ecosystem in Amsterdam.
• Experience in business development, ecosystem building or partnership development across different stakeholders (academic, industry, entrepreneurs, business developers) for public-private partnership grants, subsidies, and other funding programmes.
• A solid understanding of the latest developments and applications of AI across the life sciences and other domains, with a genuine interest in how AI is reshaping the sector. You are comfortable engaging with AI experts and translating these developments into opportunities for ACN and its members.
• Experience in organizing networking events beyond academic symposia, relevant to researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, business developers, consultants, and others.
• Strong communication skills in English (required). Dutch is highly valued and beneficial for engaging with local stakeholders.
• A self-starter mentality with a sense of ownership, solution-oriented and agile, comfortable asking for help or adapting to new challenges.
What We Offer
• A central role in a vibrant community of businesses and researchers committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Access to a local and nationwide network of the chemical, life sciences, and sustainability industries.
• This position offers a high degree of flexibility, autonomy and ownership, with the unique opportunity to shape how ACN engages with the life sciences sector.
• Salary €50,000–€55,000 gross per year, depending on experience and qualifications, based on a full-time position.
• A stimulating work environment with high levels of autonomy and responsibility.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about business development, fostering innovation, and strengthening the life sciences network in the Amsterdam region, we would love to hear from you!
Please send your motivation letter and CV to info@acnetwork.nl by Sept 20th. For questions, contact Marco Tibaldi (ACN Director) at +31 6 23354041.
