Business Developer Healthcare - Leiden/Hybride - 32-40u

Introduction

The Health & Work Unit consists of around 350 highly educated and entrepreneurial professionals working on innovations with societal impact. Our goal: by 2030, to develop medicines 2 years faster, halve lifestyle-related diseases, give every child a strong start, and realize suitable employment for 80% of the Dutch population. As a Business Developer Healthcare, you will make a major contribution to these ambitions.

At TNO you don’t just work on projects, but on solutions that make society healthier, more sustainable, and smarter. You are the bridge between science, technology, and the market—and you ensure that innovations actually make their way into practice.

What will be your role

The Netherlands is ageing, and the healthcare system is under increasing pressure. To address these challenges, it is essential to invest in innovative technological healthcare solutions and more efficient care processes. Only through an integrated approach, supported by innovative technologies and methods, can we maintain a sustainable and accessible healthcare system.

As a Business Developer Healthcare, you will initiate new collaborations—together with our clients in the pharmaceutical, nutrition, healthcare, and ICT sectors—aimed at innovations for the healthcare of the future. Examples include improving the predictability of lifestyle-related diseases or personalising interventions through the integration of digital innovations in data science such as AI, machine learning, and remote monitoring. Ethical aspects, privacy, and viable business models play an important role in this.

You will:

• Identify and create opportunities for healthcare innovations, from digital health solutions to high-tech medical technologies.
• Formulate value propositions and help clarify customer needs so they align with TNO’s expertise.
• Forge consortia with public and private organisations and build strong relationships with healthcare providers, companies, research institutes, and governmental bodies.
• Support research programmes from a market-oriented perspective and develop business plans for both the short and long term.
• Connect research teams with the healthcare market to ensure innovations progress from lab to real-world implementation.
• Position TNO and the Health & Work Unit through symposia, trade fairs, scientific publications, and social media.
• Negotiate collaboration and licensing agreements and ensure optimal protection of intellectual property.
• Monitor market developments and societal challenges and translate these into new propositions and partnerships.
• Encourage scientists to think beyond their comfort zone and translate their knowledge into concrete applications.

In short: you are the figurehead who brings together science, technology, and the market—and ensures innovations land where they are needed most.

You are an experienced and results-driven Business Developer who knows the healthcare sector inside out and understands how to guide innovations from concept to nationwide implementation. You combine strategic insight with entrepreneurship and have the skills to successfully lead complex trajectories. In addition, you bring:

• A university degree (WO) in, for example, ICT, AI, commerce, or health/medical fields (such as medicine, biomedical sciences, health sciences, technical medicine, biomedical engineering, etc.).
• Demonstrable experience (7–10 years) in business development within healthcare or a research context.Work experience in healthcare or related sectors.
• Knowledge of Digital Health, MedTech, and Biotech.
• A relevant network within healthcare providers, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, or technology.
• Experience with dealmaking, contract research, and public-private partnerships.
• Strong communication and social skills to effectively maintain and expand a broad network.
• An MBA is an advantage.

You are entrepreneurial, analytical, and a natural connector. You speak the language of both healthcare professionals and technologists and know how to bring these worlds together.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 25th of January, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.