The departing head of the state’s main biotech trade group has landed at JLL, where he will help amp up the commercial real estate brokerage’s business advising life science groups in the state’s fastest-growing industry.

Robert Coughlin announced Monday that he planned to step down from his role as president and CEO of The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council in early 2021. Coughlin, a former three-term state representative and undersecretary of economic development in Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration, joined the organization in 2007.

Coughlin will join JLL as a managing director in its life sciences industry practice, the company said in an announcement Wednesday.

“Bob has a strong pedigree of leadership in the life sciences industry, and I could not be more excited to have him join the firm,” JLL Executive Director and National Life Sciences Practice Leader Travis McCready said in a statement. “He’s known throughout the industry as both a champion of patients, and an indefatigable partner committed to ensuring that life sciences companies have the best environment possible to uncover breakthrough therapies for people around the world.”

Among his duties, Coughlin will help biotechs “navigate the increasingly competitive life sciences real estate landscape,” JLL New England Managing Director Jim Tierney said in a statement.

“For Biotech companies, solving complex human challenges is their top priority,” said Coughlin. “That’s why I am thrilled to make the transition into real estate. Biotechs need a strong partner who can help them identify opportunities to optimize their portfolios, whether it’s through site selection, tax incentives or operational efficiencies. I’m eager to help them improve their real estate assets so they can focus on research, development and solving unmet medical needs for patients.”