Business Development Principal at Cellerator

Cellerator is building new collaboration, licensing, and funding models to accelerate the translation of advanced therapies, especially cell and gene therapies, into patient impact. We are seeking a Business Development Principal to work closely with the CBDO on licensing and contracting and on the design and establishment of funding vehicles that enable startups, academics, and industry partners to engage effectively with Cellerator.

This is a senior, hands‑on role for a commercially sharp builder who wants to create real‑world impact. You will translate bold strategic ambition into executable legal, financial, and deal structures, taking end‑to‑end ownership of complex licensing, contracting, and funding models. Working side‑by‑side with the CBDO, you will help turn ideas into scalable partnerships that move science closer to patients.

Key responsibilities

Licensing & contracting:

• Lead and support structuring and negotiation of licensing and collaboration agreements (IP access, cell lines, platforms, research, option and commercial agreements).
• Develop scalable, founder‑relevant contract models that balance speed, risk, and long‑term strategic optionality.
• Drive internal and external legal workflows; act as primary interface to external counsel.
• Build and maintain a coherent contractual “playbook” aligned with Cellerator’s mission.

Funding vehicles & financial structures:

• Design and operationalise funding mechanisms (e.g. translational funding pools, co‑investment structures, milestone‑based or hybrid grant/investment models).
• Support structuring discussions with foundations, public funders, industry, and ecosystem partners.
• Translate strategy into implementable legal and financial constructs.

Strategic BD execution:

• Act as a close sparring partner to the CBDO on complex BD topics and trade‑offs.
• Prepare clear decision material (options, risks, recommendations) for leadership and governance forums.
• Ensure alignment between BD constructs and operational reality.

Ecosystem engagement:

• Engage directly with startups, academic groups, industry partners, and co‑investors.
• Represent Cellerator in selected negotiations and external discussions.
• Strengthen Cellerator’s position as a trusted, sophisticated partner in the European ATMP ecosystem.

Experience & profile:

• Advanced degree in life sciences, law, business, or equivalent experience.
• ~8–12+ years in business development, licensing, legal/commercial, venture or partnership roles within life sciences.
• Strong hands‑on experience with licensing, complex contracts, and IP‑heavy collaborations.
• Understanding of cell & gene therapy / ATMP translation strongly preferred.
• Analytically strong, pragmatic, comfortable with ambiguity, and trusted in senior stakeholder settings.

Why this role

• Direct impact on how advanced therapies move from science to patients.
• High autonomy and proximity to senior decision‑making.
• Opportunity to build new collaboration and funding models at system level within the Novo Nordisk Foundation ecosystem.

Ready to join us?

Apply now and help shape the future of cell therapy.

Please submit your CV. We review applications on a rolling basis and invite relevant candidates for interviews as we go.

Life at Cellerator

We’re building something meaningful from the ground up. If you thrive in complexity, value pragmatic solutions over perfect theory, and want your work to directly influence how advanced therapies reach patients, you’ll feel at home here.

Built with you, not before you. We’re a scale-up, so our processes, culture, and ways of working are still taking shape. You won’t inherit a rigid playbook—you’ll help create it.

Work well, sustainably. We take work–life balance seriously and aim for a supportive, enjoyable workplace. Good science happens when people feel trusted, supported, and able to do their best work.

Flat by design. We work across teams rather than in silos. Whether you’re collaborating with GMP production, academic partners, or leadership, your perspective matters. We prioritise partnership over hierarchy.

Backed, but independent. The Novo Nordisk Foundation provides the stability and credibility to deliver on our mission. At the same time, our culture and direction are distinctly our own, and we move with the pace and spirit of a scale-up.