Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) (m/f/x)

Job title:

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) (m/f/x)

Company

Moglichkeiten Arbeitgeber

Job description

Valanx Biotech is an emerging synthetic biology company redefining protein conjugation. Our proprietary platform enables precise, site-specific conjugation on any protein using non-canonical amino acids and third-generation click chemistry. We are creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and protein conjugates with unmatched profiles in pharmacology, safety, and manufacturing.We’re looking for aChief Scientific Officer (CSO) (m/f/x)(open-ended contract, full-time)to lead all scientific programs – from discovery through early clinical development – and help us turn our platform’s full potential into real outcomes for patients and partners.Location: Rinnböckstrasse 3, close to Biocenter, St. Marx, 1030 Vienna, hybrid possibleStart date: Q3/2025Job Type: Full-time (40 hours)The RoleAs CSO, you will shape, lead and drive the scientific strategy behind VALANX’s internal and partnered pipeline. You will oversee preclinical R&D, nonclinical safety studies, translational planning, and be directly responsible for moving our lead conjugate candidates through IND-enabling studies. Your leadership will be instrumental to turning our cutting-edge conjugation technology into real clinical outcomes.Key Responsibilities

• Lead scientific strategy across discovery, platform innovation, and therapeutic development programs
• Drive the progression of VALANX’s lead assets through IND-enabling and early clinical development
• Oversee design and execution of in vivo pharmacology, toxicity, and PK/PD studies in alignment with regulatory expectations
• Advance and expand our conjugation platform in collaboration with internal teams and external partners
• Work cross-functionally with the CEO, project management, and business development to prioritize and de-risk internal assets
• Build and lead a high-performing scientific team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability
• Serve as the scientific face of the company and represent VALANX Biotech in high-stakes meetings with investors, advisors, partners, and regulators
• Shape the long-term scientific direction of the company and help define its R&D identity
• Navigate and manage our hybrid R&D infrastructure, balancing in-house capabilities with external partnerships together with project managers
• Identify, strengthen and secure Intellectual Property in collaboration with our legal support

Who You Are

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology)
• 6+ years of experience in biotech or pharma, including significant leadership roles
• Proven track record of building and leading scientific teams
• Hands-on experience advancing protein-based therapeutics, preferably ADCs or other conjugates, into clinical development (Phase I)
• Deep understanding of translational biology, IND-enabling studies, and regulatory interactions
• Comfortable working in early-stage biotech environments with limited infrastructure
• Strategic thinker, execution-driven, and motivated by scientific excellence and real therapeutic impact

What We Offer

• A mission-driven, science-first culture around a platform with the potential to reshape drug development
• Competitive executive compensation package including equity participation
• Opportunity to help shape and grow a company with disruptive technology and real therapeutic potential
• Direct impact on clinical strategy and long-term company success

Apply Now If you are ready to lead on the scientific direction of a next-generation biotech company, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to Michael Lukesch, CEO via our hiring page. Thank you!

Expected salary

Location

Wien

Job date

Fri, 23 May 2025 05:39:56 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsjobs.org) you saw this job posting.