Scientific Entrepreneur – Biotech Spin-off Project Leader | Drug Discovery

Metabolic Diseases & Drug Discovery Spin-off Signal Transduction & Metabolism Laboratory – ULB Faculty of Medicine, Belgium This opportunity is conditional on the successful approval of a Win4SpinOff funding application to the Walloon Region, which we aim to finalise and submit within the coming weeks. We are seeking a motivated candidate based in Belgium to contribute to the final preparation of the application and, subject to funding approval, lead the scientific and strategic development of a new biotech spin-off. Scientific Background The Signal Transduction & Metabolism Laboratory at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is developing a biotech spin-off focused on novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and associated cancers. The project aims to translate academic discoveries into innovative treatments through the development of small-molecule modulators of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), an emerging class of therapeutic targets involved in metabolic regulation. Our preclinical research has demonstrated: Significant regulation of lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Promising therapeutic effects in preclinical models of obesity and cancer. Encouraging preliminary safety and toxicology findings. The project integrates AI-assisted drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, supported by established research platforms and intellectual property, to advance promising compounds towards clinical development. Position: Scientific Entrepreneur / Spin-off Project Leader The selected candidate will contribute to the preparation of the Win4SpinOff application and, upon funding approval, take a leading role in developing the spin-off.

Key responsibilities
1. Funding Application and Strategic Planning Contribute to finalising the Win4SpinOff application. Develop the commercialisation strategy, business case and development roadmap. Support market analysis and identification of commercial opportunities. 2. Scientific and Technological Leadership Coordinate drug discovery, lead optimisation and preclinical validation activities. Define and prioritise the therapeutic development pipeline. Coordinate collaborations with academic researchers, medicinal chemistry teams and CROs. 3. Business and Company Development Contribute to the business model and strategic positioning of the spin-off. Participate in developing the company's five-year plan. Support company creation and technology transfer activities. 4. Funding and Partnerships Identify public and private funding opportunities. Engage with investors, pharmaceutical companies, incubators and industrial partners. Support preparation for future seed financing rounds. Candidate Profile PhD in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry or a related discipline. Strong scientific background in drug discovery, pharmacology, metabolism or cellular signalling. Experience in protein tyrosine phosphatases, phosphatase biology or phosphatase-targeted drug discovery would be particularly valued. Interest in translational research, therapeutic development and biotech entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial mindset, autonomy, project management and communication skills. Ability to interact with scientific, industrial and business stakeholders. Based in Belgium and available to work within the Walloon/Brussels biotech ecosystem. Previous experience in pharmaceutical R&D, medicinal chemistry, biotech start-ups or technology transfer is considered an advantage. Positioning and Opportunity This is an opportunity to contribute to the creation of a biotech company from its earliest stages, working alongside an established academic research team and experienced biotech and drug-development advisers. The project benefits from a strong scientific foundation, existing intellectual property, institutional support and access to the Walloon biotech innovation ecosystem. Funding and employment conditions The project is currently in its pre-funding phase, with the Win4SpinOff application expected to be completed and submitted within the coming weeks. Subject to funding approval, the position will be fully funded for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. The selected candidate will contribute to the final preparation of the application. Formal employment will begin only following successful funding approval. Application Process Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a concise motivation statement outlining their interest in biotech innovation and spin-off creation to: Esteban Gurzov : esteban.gurzov[at]ulb.be Patrick Di stefano : patrick.di.stefano[at]ulb.be #Biotech #DrugDiscovery #ScientificEntrepreneur #SpinOff #ProteinTyrosinePhosphatases #MetabolicDiseases #Belgium #Win4SpinOff