Program Specialist

BioInnovation Institute (BII); København; On-site; DKK 520,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

BioInnovation Institute in Copenhagen is seeking a Program Specialist to coordinate program activities and ensure smooth operations of startup programs. You will work with the Program Manager to design and run the NATO DIANA program, and support broader initiatives including the BII Acceleration program.

You will engage a network of mentors, connect with quantum and life-science ecosystems, and collaborate with DIANA accelerators across NATO.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in program or project management for startup programs or related area.
• Strong coordination, structure, and ability to drive tasks to completion.
• Excellent written and spoken English; professional communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan, and execute program activities across the management team.
• Support NATO DIANA program design and execution with the DIANA program manager.
• Engage a network of mentors and connect with quantum and life-science ecosystems.
• Collaborate with DIANA HQ in London and NATO accelerators to improve the program.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and maintain program overviews.
• Attend at least four in-person gatherings outside Denmark each year.

Skills

Program management

Coordination

Communication

English proficiency

Team player

Job description

Do you get energy from coordinating, keeping track of the details, and making things happen? Do you want to help bring science to life by coordinating program activities and making sure our startup programs run smoothly?

Then we might have the perfect opportunity at BioInnovation Institute, where we are looking for a Program Specialist to join our Program Management team in Copenhagen.

Your Opportunity to Join BII!

The BioInnovation Institute (BII) is a non‑profit foundation established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018. Its mission is to accelerate research and startups to bring forward bold solutions that improve human and planetary health. BII supports collaborative, interdisciplinary innovation across Life Sciences and Deep Tech, helping transform cutting‑edge research into viable companies so that new discoveries can deliver real impact for people and society.

As a Program Specialist, you will be the coordinating backbone of our programs, making sure that everything from speakers and meetings to program elements runs smoothly. You will work closely with our DIANA Program Manager to design and run the NATO DIANA program, which supports a cohort of dual‑use startups in quantum and life science in getting their technologies adopted by the defense industry. At the same time, you will support the wider Program Management team in planning and executing our programs, including the BII Acceleration program, and take ownership of the coordination that keeps everything on track.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Coordinate, plan, and execute on program activities across the Program Management team – from confirming speakers, booking meetings, catering, to planning program elements, and communication with startups
• Support our Program Manager in designing and running the NATO DIANA program
• Coordinate and actively engage a network of approximately 20 mentors, and help engage the quantum and life science ecosystems
• Collaborate with DIANA HQ in London and other DIANA accelerators across NATO to continuously develop and improve the program
• Contribute to the team broadly, including cross‑functional projects, administrative tasks, and creating overviews of program activities
• Participate in a minimum of four in‑person gatherings outside Denmark each year

Professional & Personal Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience within program or project management – experience with startup programs is preferred
• A solid project management toolbox and a genuine passion for coordination, structure, and getting things done
• Network or experience within defense and/or national security is an advantage, but not required
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English at a professional level, both written and spoken
• A team player who enjoys working with many different teams and on many different tasks

Besides the above, you see yourself as service‑minded and hands‑on – you don't mind making coffee, setting up a room, or tidying up after a meeting, because you know the small things make a big difference. In addition, you have a strong drive to grow and take on more responsibility over time.

Working at BII

At BII we offer a purpose‑driven community where science and innovation create meaningful change and impact in society. BII’s entrepreneurial environment is shaped and nurtured every day by our employees, start‑ups, and everyone who joins us in bringing science to life. This role offers a unique opportunity to join Europe’s largest innovation and incubation initiative within life sciences and deep tech.

BII is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N. From Copenhagen, the Secretariat supports strategy, governance, and coordination across BII’s international activities.

See our open positions at BII on our career page or on LinkedIn.

Equal Opportunities

At BII, we believe innovation starts with people. As a community of changemakers, we believe the best ideas emerge when people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences come together around a shared purpose.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace built on equal opportunities, where everyone can thrive and where pay is fair, equitable, and based on the principle of equal pay for equal work. We welcome all applications regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio‑economic background.

Curious for more?

If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Anne Almind Vind, Head of Program Management, on e‑mail: [e-mail].

The interview process is expected to take place in October. The preferred start date is around December - however, we are flexible and will consider individual notice periods and availability.