Business Developer Quantum Technology (1,0 fte)

Leiden University is seeking a Business Developer to drive the growth of its cutting-edge quantum technology & quantum information technology ecosystem.

What you will do
In this pivotal role, you will:

• Collaborate with world-class researchers to transform promising breakthrough ideas into real-world applications.
• Bridge the gap between science and industry by fostering innovation

The position combines a hands-on approach – strong interaction with researchers – with strategic thinking towards innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with industry.

You are present at coffee breaks at LION, LIACS and aQa, conquer the hearts of the researchers and technicians in your shared enthousiams for quantum innovations and be part of a small team at the heart of the local quantum hub, Quantum Leiden. The Leiden Quantum Hub operates in close connection with the quantum hub in Delft and the national Quantum DELTA NL programme. Startup formation, research valorisation and engagement with external partners are also performed in the context of the collaboration with Delft, Eindhoven, Twente and Amsterdam.

The role is shared between Leiden University’s Knowledge Transfer Office (Luris) and the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION). This provides access to both the research community and the university’s broader innovation infrastructure. At Luris you will join the university wide Business Development meetings and co-develop faster licensing and spin-off practices.

Key responsibilities:

As Business Developer for Leiden University’s quantum technology ecosystem, you will:

• Spot opportunities for innovation and valorisation in quantum-related research, especially within LION, LIACS, and affiliated institutes.
• Support and guide researchers in developing application pathways, such as public-private partnerships, fast licensing and/or startup creation;
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with companies, investors, incubators, and other innovation partners;
• Contribute to national and international projects that drive innovation, collaboration, and societal impact
• Work on matters such as intellectual property, legal structuring and investment readiness (within the LURIS setting);
• Contribute to national and international projects that drive innovation, collaboration, and societal impact;
• Promote entrepreneurial awareness among students and early-career researchers, aligning with talent development initiatives;
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the regional quantum ecosystem.

Where you will work
You will work within both LION, part of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, and Luris, the university’s Knowledge Transfer Office. Luris supports researchers in creating societal impact from academic work, and provides expertise on intellectual property, collaboration and startup development.

The Faculty of Science is an international and interdisciplinary environment, home to over 2,000 staff and more than 6,000 students. Within this faculty, Quantum Leiden acts as the local node of the national Quantum Delta NL network. It connects academic research to innovation, infrastructure and community development.

What you bring
We are looking for a professional who combines technical insight with a proactive, collaborative mindset. You thrive in multidisciplinary environments and adapt easily to the needs of a dynamic ecosystem.

What we expect from you:

• A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., physics, quantum engineering, computer science).
• A self-starting, independent working style, with a clear focus on results and collaboration
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with researchers, students, and external partners
• Experience with — or strong motivation for — business development, innovation, or research valorisation.
• Familiarity with early-stage innovation processes such as intellectual property, licensing, or startup support.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken). Dutch is an advantage, or at a minimum a willingness to learn the Dutch language.

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.
We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with possibility of extension, depending on performance and funding; this contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities.
• A salary of min. 4728,- and max. 7297,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 11 or 12 CAO-NU - based on experience and education);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Anouschka Versleijen (a.g.s.versleijen@luris.nl) or Jan Aarts (Aarts@physics.leidenuniv.nl). You can apply until 22 december 2025;

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

• In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid