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- Tasks: Lead R&D strategy and drive scientific innovation in a biotech startup.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge biotech startup focused on next-gen antibody therapeutics.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and be part of a vibrant biotech community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of synthetic biology and make a real impact in healthcare.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and 10+ years of R&D leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and foster a culture of scientific excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London, UK (Hybrid options available)
Sector: Synthetic Biology / Antibody Therapeutics
About Us:
Our client is an ambitious biotech startup leveraging cutting-edge synthetic biology to engineer next-generation antibody therapeutics. Our mission is to unlock new modalities and accelerate the path from bench to bedside. Based in London’s vibrant biotech hub, we are backed by leading venture capital and strategic partners.
Position Overview:
They are seeking a visionary Chief Science Officer (CSO) to lead and expand the R&D strategy. As part of the executive leadership team, the CSO will drive scientific innovation, oversee pipeline development, and help shape the company’s long-term strategy in synthetic biology and antibody engineering. This is a rare opportunity to define science at a transformative stage company.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the scientific and technical vision of the company in alignment with business objectives.
- Lead all R&D activities, including antibody discovery, engineering, and synthetic biology platform development.
- Build and manage multidisciplinary teams spanning molecular biology, protein engineering, bioinformatics, and translational sciences.
- Oversee scientific operations, timelines, and budgets to ensure milestone delivery.
- Foster collaborations with academic institutions, CROs, technology partners, and biopharma companies.
- Represent the company at scientific conferences, with investors, and in regulatory discussions.
- Contribute to IP strategy, patent filings, and ensure protection of proprietary technologies.
- Serve as a mentor and thought leader within the organization, promoting a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
Requirements:
- PhD in Synthetic Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of R&D leadership experience in biotech/pharma or high-growth startups.
- Proven track record in antibody discovery/engineering and/or synthetic biology platform development.
- Experience leading teams through preclinical development stages; IND experience a plus.
- Strong network in the biotech/academic ecosystem.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to be hands-on in a dynamic startup environment.
- Prior experience with venture-backed startups or scaling early-stage biotech.
- Familiarity with machine learning applications in antibody/synthetic biology design.
- Experience engaging with regulatory bodies (e.g., MHRA, EMA, FDA).
To apply please contact Sam Shinner at Discover International.
Chief Science Officer (London) employer: Placed
Contact Detail:
Placed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Science Officer (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the biotech community in London. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, and meetups to connect with professionals in synthetic biology and antibody therapeutics. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your thought leadership by engaging in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or ResearchGate. Share your insights on recent advancements in synthetic biology and antibody engineering to establish yourself as a knowledgeable figure in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company thoroughly, including their current projects and partnerships. Understanding their specific goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led R&D teams, managed budgets, and fostered collaborations, as these are crucial for the Chief Science Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Science Officer (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in synthetic biology and antibody therapeutics. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities of a Chief Science Officer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your vision for the role and how your background aligns with the company's mission. Discuss your experience in R&D leadership and your approach to fostering innovation within teams.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles, such as successful projects, publications, or patents. This will demonstrate your capability to drive scientific innovation.
Showcase Your Network: Mention any collaborations or partnerships you've established in the biotech ecosystem. Highlighting your connections can illustrate your ability to foster relationships that benefit the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Placed
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a Chief Science Officer, it's crucial to demonstrate your visionary thinking. Prepare to discuss your long-term scientific vision and how it aligns with the company's objectives. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led R&D strategies in the past.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
With over 10 years of R&D leadership experience required, make sure to highlight your previous roles where you built and managed multidisciplinary teams. Discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to deliver successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in synthetic biology and antibody therapeutics. Be prepared to discuss recent advancements and how they could impact the company's strategy. This shows your commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.
✨Engage with Regulatory Insights
Since experience engaging with regulatory bodies is a plus, be ready to discuss your interactions with organisations like the MHRA or FDA. Share insights on how you navigated regulatory challenges in previous projects, showcasing your understanding of compliance in biotech.
