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

Introduction

The Health & Work Unit consists of around 350 highly skilled and entrepreneurial professionals working on impactful technological innovations. We do this by developing cutting-edge concepts and bringing them to market. Our ambition: by 2030, accelerate drug development by two years, halve lifestyle-related diseases, give every child a promising start, and enable 80% of the Dutch population to access suitable work. As a Business Developer Pharma, you will play a key role in achieving these goals.

What will you do?
As Business Developer Pharma within the TNO proposition Efficient Drug Development, you will initiate and drive collaborations with clients in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on innovations that shape tomorrow’s medicines. Examples include developing and applying ex-vivo and in-vitro preclinical models that more accurately predict human drug responses.

Working alongside our experts, you help clarify client needs, define potential solutions, and shape proposals that fit both the scientific opportunity and market demand. Ultimately, your efforts contribute to expanding TNO’s pharma market share and enabling clients to develop medicines more efficiently and faster—resulting in better, more affordable treatments for patients.

In this role, you identify opportunities, craft value propositions, close deals, build consortia, and manage acquisition processes from start to finish. You engage with public and private organizations, industry partners, leading TNO scientists, and business developers from the Biomedical and Digital Health roadmaps. You also collaborate with other TNO units, such as the High Tech Industry Unit.

Additionally, you help strengthen the visibility of the TNO Health & Work Unit by sharing our goals and achievements through symposia, scientific publications, trade fairs, and social media.

You combine strong biomedical expertise with entrepreneurial drive. You excel at uncovering and articulating client needs and connecting them to the right TNO experts and departments. You enjoy working closely with others, inspiring scientists to think beyond their comfort zone, and coaching them to act with an entrepreneurial mindset. You build trust with ease and are a compelling conversation partner for clients as well as colleagues throughout TNO.

You oversee acquisition trajectories, ensuring timely follow-up of opportunities. You stay on top of developments in the pharmaceutical sector and translate market signals into clear direction for the scientists you collaborate with.

What else do you bring?

• Academic background in pharmacology, toxicology, biotechnology, or biology (minimum MSc)
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Demonstrable experience in business development (>5 years)
• Knowledge of drug development processes
• A relevant network within the pharmaceutical sector
• A strong focus on dealmaking and contract research

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 between € 5,000 and € 8,000 (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 26th 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.