Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

Location: California (Onsite, Full-Time)
Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Monday-Friday; occasional out-of-hours work expected)
Travel: Some travel required

This is a rare opportunity to join a global biopharmaceutical company at the C-Suite level who will be directly responsible for driving the scientific innovation and strategy across the company. As Chief Scientific Officer, you will work hand-in-hand with the CEO to define and execute strategies that drive the development of transformative therapies across a portfolio of complex, high-impact platforms.

We are seeking a proven biotech leader with deep expertise in drug development-someone who thrives on solving scientific challenges and shaping programs that advance patient care. If you're ready to take the next bold step in your career and influence the trajectory of an organization and an entire field, this is your moment.

Step into a role where your vision will accelerate progress, your leadership will set the standard for excellence, and your impact will be felt globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership to set and execute scientific strategy.
• Define and implement the organization's research priorities across preclinical and clinical programs.
• Lead global scientific teams to deliver R&D programs on time and within budget.
• Oversee budgets for scientific initiatives and ensure optimal resource allocation.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulatory authorities, professional organizations, and external partners.
• Evaluate business development opportunities, including in/out licensing and technical due diligence for acquisitions or co-development agreements.
• Represent the organization on scientific and technical matters with external stakeholders, including investigators and (optionally) the investment community.
• Manage collaborations with external research providers, such as CROs and independent investigators.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD, PharmD, or MD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• 10 - 12 years of executive leadership experience leading teams throughout preclinical, clinical and commercial manufacturing within biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.
• Strong background in organic chemistry; experience with peptides, polymers, and formulation development preferred.
• Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA, IND/NDA filings) and ICH Good Clinical Practice.
• Proven scientific credibility through publications and/or patents.
• Expertise in clinical trial design, monitoring, and statistical reporting.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate clinical data and prepare regulatory documentation.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Financial management experience related to R&D budgets.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and related tools.

Preferred Attributes

• Post-doctoral training in dermatology or related discipline (not required).
• Experience in a publicly traded company.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to foster collaboration across internal teams and external partners.

What's Offered

• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge science with global impact.
• High degree of commercial exposure and collaboration with leading scientific experts.
• Dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on innovation and delivery.