Programme Manager for IBIS OIS

Would you like to help accelerate the development and adoption of microbial biofertilizers to sustainably boost the global food supply?  

We are looking for an experienced programme manager for the 3-year IBIS OIS programme sponsored by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.  

IBIS OIS aims to address foundational scientific knowledge gaps, the lack of key enabling technologies needed to drive discoveries, and to enable case studies for new biofertilizer solutions. To this end, the programme will facilitate and fund open and patent-free research projects across the academia-industry divide. This approach is known as Open Innovation in Science (OIS).  

Place of work and area of employment
Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C
 
The IBIS OIS programme is hosted by Aarhus University – and it is part of the larger research programme IBIS based at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).  As programme manager of IBIS OIS, you will be employed in the Aarhus University Centre for Open Innovation in Science in Aarhus and report directly to the centre’s director. The Centre hosts similar programmes within drug discovery (ODIN) and plant/food science (Plant2Food).  

We offer a collaborative work environment where strong collegial relationships are a valued. You will be part of a centre that appreciate open dialogue, mutual respect, and the sharing of ideas. We encourage continuous improvement and learnings, while creating space for innovation and professional growth. 

Job description 
In your daily work, you will manage the IBIS OIS programme with help from the project’s administrative officer. You are responsible for managing and coordinating the day-to-day administration of the programme that includes facilitating competitive call rounds for new research ideas and helping researchers and companies source ideas and partners for joint research projects.  

Your tasks include: 

• Implementing the administrative processes in IBIS OIS (with guidance from the AU OIS centre) 
• Preparing and carrying out competitive project calls (incl. developing call guidelines, application templates etc.). 
• Facilitating ideation-, matchmaking- and knowledge-sharing events for researchers and companies.  

• Making sure the review of incoming applications runs in a fair, objective and efficient manner and thereby help making sure that the best projects are funded.  

• Providing administrative support of the governing bodies in IBIS OIS.  

• Stakeholder recruitment and company engagement. 

• Budget management. 

• Monitoring the overall progress of IBIS OIS and reporting to the Novo Nordisk Foundation. 

• Preparing applications for a potential continuation of the programme.  

Your profile 
You have a relevant M.Sc. and understand how the Ag input sector operates. You have extensive experience with business development, marketing or portfolio development (in e.g. a BioAg company or from a knowledge- or technology transfer function at a university) that will help you understand and match proposed research ideas on biofertilizers with relevant competencies in the IBIS OIS community.   

You are expertised in project planning, stakeholder management, and have exceptional communication skills in English and Danish. The ideal candidate excels at structuring complex projects, aligning diverse interests, and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the process. You bring a proven ability to manage timelines and resources effectively, build strong relationships across organisations, and navigate challenges with professionalism and adaptability. You have a development mindset and see potentials and is not afraid to explore the strategic direction of the programme.  

You approach your tasks in a timely and structured manner, and ideally you already have a network in the BioAg sector that you can use to grow the IBIS OIS community. You oscillate freely between academic and business environments without favouring any one stakeholder or field over the other.  
Any previous experience with process facilitation and knowledge valorisation at Danish universities will be an advantage.   

About the position:  
The position is a three-year full-time project employment, with an expected start date of November 1, 2025 (or earlier). The hiring committee consists of representatives from both Aarhus University and the Technical University of Denmark. The position is purely administrative and involves occasional travel between the partner universities. 

If you have any questions, please contact Marie Louise Conradsen (Director of the AU OIS Centre), phone: 93508496, mail: mlco@au.dk. 
 

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.Depending on your experience, skills and educational level, the employment will be as a special- or senior consultant.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/