MIRRI-ERIC Announces an Industry and Partnerships Liaison Opportunity

MIRRI-ERIC is announcing a new career opportunity for a professional with a background in life sciences and experience in industry engagement, innovation and partnership development to join its team as Industry and Partnerships Liaison, contributing to the implementation of the Horizon Europe project MIRRI-FIRM.

The successful candidate will support the development of MIRRI-ERIC’s relationships with industry, particularly in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, helping connect industrial needs with the microbial resources, expertise and services available through this pan-European Research Infrastructure. The role also involves strengthening European and international partnerships, facilitating knowledge transfer and supporting the long-term sustainability and socioeconomic impact of MIRRI-ERIC.

MIRRI-ERIC connects leading microbial domain Biological Resource Centres (mBRCs), culture collections, universities and research organisations across Europe. By coordinating access to high-quality microbial resources, associated data and expertise, the infrastructure supports research and innovation in biotechnology, health, agriculture, food systems, environmental sustainability and the circular bioeconomy.

Through MIRRI-FIRM, a Horizon Europe project, MIRRI-ERIC aims to strengthen its operational capacity, improve the accessibility and FAIRness of microbial resource data, harmonise quality management and expand engagement with industry and other stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of MIRRI-ERIC’s industry engagement strategy, with particular attention to startups, SMEs and organisations in biotechnology and biomanufacturing;
• Mapping industrial needs, identifying barriers to accessing research infrastructure services and exploring opportunities for collaboration;
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with companies, industrial associations, innovation networks and other relevant stakeholders;
• Supporting the development of tailored services and partnership models that respond to industrial needs and promote research, development and innovation in the bioeconomy;
• Contributing to the organisation of a European Industry Engagement Workshop, bringing together stakeholders across Health and Food Safety, Agrofood Security, and Environment and Energy;
• Supporting the implementation of the Knowledge Transfer Programme and facilitating pilot collaborations between MIRRI-ERIC and industrial partners;
• Contributing to the development of MIRRI-ERIC’s Exploitation Plan and identifying opportunities for the sustainable use of its resources;
• Documenting outcomes and lessons learned from industry engagement activities, contributing to case studies, policy recommendations and other project outputs.

Applicants should hold an MSc in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or a similar discipline, and demonstrate experience in building relationships with industry stakeholders and supporting collaborative research or innovation activities. Strong communication, negotiation, organisational and coordination skills, as well as excellent written and spoken English (minimum C1 level), are essential.

At least three years of professional experience in the bioindustry is desirable. Experience in technology transfer, research commercialisation, business development within the life sciences, European-funded research projects or research–industry collaboration will be considered an advantage.

The position is based at MIRRI-ERIC Headquarters in Braga, Portugal, with the possibility of hybrid work within Portugal. It is a full-time position funded by the Horizon Europe project MIRRI-FIRM (Grant Agreement No. 101292674), with a contract duration of up to four years, including a 180-day probation period. The salary ranges from €30.000 to €45.000, depending on academic record and career path. The planned starting date is 1 December 2026.

Applicants must hold the legal authorisation required to work in Portugal before appointment. MIRRI-ERIC does not provide visa sponsorship, work permit assistance or relocation support.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file containing a motivation letter explaining the candidate’s suitability and motivation, a detailed curriculum vitae highlighting relevant industry R&D, innovation and partnership experience, copies of academic qualifications, and the names, affiliations and contact details (email and phone) of two professional referees.

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected], with the subject line "Industry and Partnerships Liaison – MIRRI-FIRM".

Application deadline: 30 October 2026.

For full details on the position, eligibility criteria, remuneration, selection procedure and application requirements, please consult the complete job announcement.