Programme Manager Human Health and Wellbeing

At VU Amsterdam, our researchers drive innovations in key areas such as Human Health & Well-being, Food Systems, and Sustainability. They are committed to contributing to worldwide challenges in for example; the protein transition by precision fermentation or nutrition and mental well-being by unlocking the potential of the gut-brain axis in human microbiome research. Through active collaborations with public and private partners, we ensure that our research leads to real-world solutions.

Within IXA-GO, the knowledge transfer, grants, and project office of VU Amsterdam, we empower researchers to maximize the impact of their work. Our team identifies funding opportunities, supports strategic collaborations, assists in business case development for start-ups, and connects researchers with relevant networks. Additionally, we offer support in intellectual property (IP) protection and funding strategies.

We are currently seeking a Programme Manager specializing in Human Health and Well being to strengthen our IXA-GO project office team based at the dynamic VU Campus.

As a Programme Manager for Human Health and Well being, you will be responsible for building and managing collaborative partnerships between researchers, other knowledge institutes, companies, government bodies, and societal actors.

This multidisciplinary domain addresses the challenges of sustainable food production, nutrition, public health, and the intersection of human health and well-being. Tackling these issues requires interdisciplinary collaboration with and between VU researchers working on health and life sciences, food and social sciences, and sustainability disciplines.

At VU Amsterdam, we actively engage with national and European initiatives to develop strategic partnerships. Nationally, we work with ministries and national consortia to shape innovation strategies like for example NGF’s (Biotech Booster, Holomicrobiome) and public private collaboration (New Food Collective, Foodvalley etc). As well as at the European level, we help position VU researchers within international consortia and funding networks like EIT Food etc.

As Programme Manager, you will support researchers and the organisation in identifying and capitalising on collaboration and funding opportunities.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop collaboration opportunities for VU Amsterdam researchers in Human Health and Well being
• Leverage your network to connect researchers with industry, government, and academic partners
• Facilitate and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders in the food and health sectors
• Support the development of complex partnerships, including negotiating collaboration agreements (in close cooperation with legal officers) and overseeing project administration
• Position VU Amsterdam’s research portfolio to enhance funding acquisition success
• Engage with faculty management and relevant stakeholders to align research strategies within the Human Health and Well being domain
• Stay updated on industry and academic trends to identify new opportunities for innovation and impact

Your Profile
We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A Master’s or PhD in a relevant field (such as Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Food Sciences, Biomedical Research, and/or a MBA with experience in the field)
• Proven experience in strategic collaboration and securing external funding
• Several years of experience in programme management, innovation management, or business development
• A strong and relevant network in the Netherlands, with experience liaising with both public and private stakeholders
• A hands-on, proactive approach and the ability to take ownership of projects
• A growth mindset, with the willingness to learn and adapt to new opportunities
• An entrepreneurial and innovative mindset
• Excellent and proven proficiency in Dutch and English, both written and spoken

IXA-GO offers you a challenging position within a professional and motivated team for an initial period of 12 months. An extension of your employment contract is possible.

On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €4,537 (scale 11) and a maximum €7,056 (scale 12), depending on your education and experience. The job profile is based on the university ranking system (UFO) of Knowledge Valorisation Officer (2/3) and is open for at least 0,8 fte. The position is based on external funding and can be extended up to a maximum of 48 months (in accordance with art. 2.3 sub 7a CAO NU).

Most importantly, the nature of your work involves engaging with numerous different stakeholders and smart innovations that drive societal progress. This role will enable you to develop at a phenomenal rate and significantly strengthen your network.

At IXA-GO, we support researchers at VU Amsterdam in acquiring external funding, protecting intellectual property, and utilizing research outcomes—from licensing to launching spin-off companies. Our team includes Grants Officers, Business & Impact Developers, Programme/Project Managers, and a Marketing & Communication team.

IXA-GO is part of the Pan-Amsterdam collaboration IXA, the joint Knowledge Transfer Office of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, the University of Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. Our researchers and students contribute to solving complex societal challenges by thinking freely and across disciplines. Located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, VU Amsterdam fosters an inclusive, entrepreneurial, and innovative environment.

Diversity & Inclusion
VU Amsterdam is committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe that different perspectives lead to innovation, excellence, and broader understanding. We strive for a community that reflects diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Then we kindly invite you to apply for this position via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter by 19th May 2025. The job interviews are planned for last week of May/first week of June. When possible, please take this into account when applying for the position.

Starting date: ASAP
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.