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- Tasks: Lead preclinical development strategy and execution for innovative biologic programmes.
- Company: Dynamic biotech firm focused on immunology with a virtual model.
- Benefits: Remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunity to shape impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biotech by driving cutting-edge research and development.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in biologics and strong background in immunology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for direct interaction with leadership and investors.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal senior hire into a lean, immunology focused biotech backed by experienced life sciences investors. The company operates as a virtual model, with a small internal team supported by specialist consultants and CRO partners.
The Chief Development Officer will own preclinical development strategy and execution, taking biologic programmes from advanced discovery through IND. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining scientific judgement with practical delivery.
The role
- You will be responsible for shaping and delivering the full preclinical development plan across biology, translational strategy, safety, CMC interface and regulatory readiness.
- While much of the execution will be delivered through external partners, this role requires someone comfortable being close to the data and stepping in where needed.
- You will work directly with the CEO, aligning development milestones with company objectives.
- Board and investor interactions will be led by the CEO, but you will have exposure where appropriate, particularly around data and development rationale.
Measurements of success
- Clear, credible preclinical and translational packages aligned to IND submission.
- Confident selection and management of CROs and specialist consultants.
- Programmes moving at pace, with pragmatic decision making and clean handovers.
- Strong working rhythm with the CEO and wider scientific network.
Profile
- Proven experience taking at least one biologic asset through to IND.
- Broad biological and immunology grounding rather than a narrow modality focus.
- Strong experience operating in virtual or resource lean environments.
- Comfortable leading consultants while remaining scientifically engaged.
- UK based, with availability to be in London at least once per month.
This role suits someone who enjoys ownership, clarity of remit, and delivering real progress rather than managing large internal teams.
Chief Development Officer (Pre Clinical) employer: Nexia
Contact Detail:
Nexia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Development Officer (Pre Clinical)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech and life sciences sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company thoroughly, especially their preclinical development strategies. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise answering common interview questions and have some insightful questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples where you’ve taken biologic programmes through to IND. We want to see your scientific judgement in action, so don’t hold back on the details!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in the biotech world. Let’s get you one step closer to that Chief Development Officer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Development Officer (Pre Clinical)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Development Officer role. Highlight your experience in preclinical development and any relevant biologic programmes you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on leadership style and how you’ve successfully navigated similar environments in the past.
Showcase Your Scientific Judgement: In your application, don’t shy away from discussing your scientific judgement. Provide examples of how you've made pragmatic decisions in previous roles, especially in relation to CRO management and data analysis.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nexia
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in immunology and biologics. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with biologic assets and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the science behind the work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves leading consultants and CROs, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed external teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you balance scientific engagement with practical delivery.
✨Align with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company's objectives and be prepared to discuss how your preclinical development strategies can align with them. This shows that you’re not only thinking about the role but also about how you can contribute to the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Data Discussions
Given the importance of data in this role, be ready to dive deep into your previous projects. Prepare to discuss how you’ve used data to make decisions and drive programmes forward, as well as how you would handle interactions with the CEO and investors regarding development rationale.
