Chief Scientific Officer (Therapeutic Biotech Startup)

Job Description

Our client is a venture-backed biotech startup focused on developing and accelerating high-potential, undervalued therapeutic assets from India with global relevance. Their mission is to bring cutting-edge, capital-efficient therapeutics to market through deep scientific execution and visionary leadership. They are currently hiring a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) who will work closely with the founder-CEO and their world-class Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to execute across preclinical programs, translate assets, and drive scientific credibility in front of investors. Job Title: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Location: Bangalore/Hyderabad Type: Full-Time Compensation: This is a full-time role with competitive salary and significant equity options. With this role you will be a core leadership team member with equity aligned to contribution. Key Responsibilities Lead the design and execution of preclinical and IND-enabling studies, including protocol development, CRO coordination, and milestone tracking. Work with the founder-CEO to translate high-level strategic goals into detailed scientific plans aligned with fundraising timelines and regulatory requirements. Own scientific execution, not strategic direction — you will drive implementation of the vision laid out by the CEO and validated by our SAB. Act as a technical liaison for investor and partner due diligence while supporting — not leading — fundraising narratives. Collaborate with internal and external teams to identify, vet, and develop additional pipeline assets. Ensure scientific and regulatory compliance across research and development activities. Required Qualifications PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related Minimum 12–20 years of experience in translational research or drug development, with proven track record of taking at least one drug candidate from discovery through IND-enabling studies and into Phase 1/2 or later clinical development. Hands-on experience working with CROs, designing in vivo/in vitro studies, and managing preclinical operations. Ability to work in a lean startup environment, make progress with limited data, and adapt rapidly to shifting goals. Strong leadership and innovative thinking — ability to not only execute but to creatively solve scientific bottlenecks and adapt experimental strategies toward breakthrough outcomes. Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of supporting technical due diligence processes with investors and partners. Global experience (preferred): US/Europe/India cross-functional work or international team management is a bonus. Minimum 5–10 years of experience in translational research or drug development, with proven track record of taking at least one candidate from discovery to IND-enabling or early clinical phase. Ability to work in a lean startup environment, make progress with limited data, and adapt rapidly to shifting goals. Global experience (preferred): US/Europe/India cross-functional work or international team management is a bonus. Cultural Fit You’re ego-less and execution-oriented. You don’t need to own the spotlight, you want to move science forward. You take direction well and believe in founder-led strategy with high-level advisory support. You thrive in chaos and solve problems with urgency, pragmatism, and accountability. You understand that in a startup, speed and focus matter more than perfection. Show more Show less