Application Guide
How to Apply for Student Assistant for Business Development
at Statens Serum Institut
🏢 About Statens Serum Institut
Statens Serum Institut (SSI) is Denmark's premier public health institute, uniquely positioned at the intersection of scientific research and public health impact. Working at SSI means contributing to Denmark's defense against infectious and congenital diseases while being part of an organization that translates groundbreaking research into real-world solutions through business development. The Business Development department specifically transforms scientific discoveries into revenue-generating partnerships, making this role ideal for someone interested in the commercialization of public health innovations.
About This Role
As a Student Assistant for Business Development at SSI, you'll be directly involved in managing the contractual backbone of the institute's partnerships and licensing agreements. This role involves creating systematic overviews of contractual obligations, organizing contract documentation, and supporting the negotiation and preparation of agreements that enable SSI's research to reach the market. Your work ensures that SSI's intellectual property is properly managed and that partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and other collaborators run smoothly and compliantly.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start by reviewing and filing newly signed contracts in SSI's digital registry, ensuring all metadata (dates, parties, obligations) is accurately recorded. You could then assist a senior colleague by preparing a summary of upcoming contractual deadlines or drafting a comparison table of license terms for an ongoing negotiation. The role balances independent organizational tasks with collaborative support, often involving research on standard contract clauses or coordinating with legal and scientific teams to gather necessary documentation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Statens Serum Institut Is Looking For
- A current student (likely in law, business, public health, or life sciences) with strong attention to detail and the ability to parse complex contractual language in both Danish and English.
- Someone organized and methodical, capable of creating and maintaining clear systems for contract filing, tracking obligations, and deadlines without direct supervision.
- A proactive assistant who can anticipate needs during negotiations—such as preparing comparison tables, drafting clause summaries, or organizing background materials—while maintaining confidentiality.
- Interested in the intersection of science, law, and business, with a curiosity about how public health research is commercialized and a respect for the regulatory and ethical standards of a public institution.
📝 Tips for Applying to Statens Serum Institut
Highlight any experience with document management systems, legal or administrative databases, or even academic projects involving systematic data organization—SSI handles sensitive contracts, so precision matters.
Mention familiarity with Danish contract law or institutional frameworks (e.g., public sector agreements, research collaborations) if applicable; otherwise, emphasize your ability to quickly learn such contexts.
Tailor your resume to show how you've handled confidential or detailed documentation before, even in volunteer or academic settings—SSI's contracts involve intellectual property and public funds.
If you have language skills, note your proficiency in Danish (the contracts are likely in Danish) and English, as SSI works internationally.
Demonstrate an understanding of SSI's mission by linking your interest in business development to public health impact—e.g., explain how well-managed contracts help advance disease prevention.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your ability to create order from complexity—give a specific example of how you organized information or managed documents in a past role or project.', "Why you're drawn to SSI's unique model of commercializing public health research, showing you've researched their work (e.g., mention a known project or their COVID-19 response).", 'How your assistance skills can support negotiation and contract preparation—perhaps by describing a time you helped prepare materials for a high-stakes meeting or deadline.', 'Your commitment to handling sensitive information with discretion, given the confidential nature of contracts and intellectual property.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → SSI's recent business development news—look for press releases on licensing deals, partnerships, or patents (e.g., vaccine or diagnostic tool collaborations).
- → The structure of Danish public research institutes and how they commercialize IP—understand SSI's role as a state-owned enterprise under the Danish Ministry of Health.
- → SSI's key disease focus areas (e.g., tuberculosis, COVID-19, congenital disorders) and how their research translates into products or services.
- → The Business Development department's likely stakeholders—pharma companies, universities, government agencies—to grasp the contract types you'll handle.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't address SSI's public health mission or the specific tasks of contract management and assistance.
- Overlooking the need for discretion—avoid sharing examples that breach confidentiality or downplay the sensitivity of contractual work.
- Failing to demonstrate organizational skills—applications that are disorganized or lack detail in describing past systematic work may be dismissed.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Statens Serum Institut!