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Chief Executive Officer – Neuroscience CRO

LUKA GLOBAL

Role overview

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, or Business (MBA or equivalent executive leadership training preferred) with demonstrated credibility in neuroscience or related preclinical research.
  • Proven ability to lead a high-growth organization, scaling operations while maintaining quality and scientific integrity; strong commercial acumen with experience securing and managing complex contracts with biotech/pharma clients.
  • Experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams in a scientific or technical environment; ability to translate technical capabilities into market-ready services.
  • Exposure to international markets and remote/cross-cultural operations; experience with investor relations, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation; financially savvy with P&L responsibility.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: define and execute a multi-year growth strategy, transforming the organization from bespoke research projects into a scalable, standardized service portfolio.
  • Commercial Growth: lead business development, securing Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and high-value contracts with biotech and pharmaceutical clients worldwide.
  • Scientific-Commercial Interface: partner with the CSO/technical leadership to translate complex neuroscience capabilities into client-ready services, ensuring offerings remain at the cutting edge while commercially viable.
  • Organizational Scaling and Financial Oversight: restructure internal operations, talent, and processes to support scalable, efficient, and high-quality delivery; manage P&L, pricing, and implement margin-focused models to drive self-sustaining revenue.

Key facts

Hard skills

Strategic Leadership Business Development Profit And Loss (P&L) Management Pricing Strategies Operating Margins Milestones (Project Management) Customer Success Management Investor Relations Strategic Partnership Thought Leadership International Marketing Motivational Leadership

Other skills

  • Team Management
  • Mentorship
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Resilience
  • Decision Making
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability

About the company

LUKA GLOBAL logo

LUKA GLOBAL

LUKA Global is an international search firm serving the European HealthTech, Life Sciences and DeepTech eco-systems. Alongside identifying niche profiles for tech focused businesses we offer a range of training programs for early stage start-ups.We are people focused and outcome oriented, but most of all we are partners to our clients and candidates.

Company details

Company size2 - 10

Links

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Job description

This is a remote position.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary CEO to lead the commercial transformation of a specialized neuroscience organization, transitioning it from research-focused operations into a market-leading, service-oriented Contract Research Organization (CRO). This is a rare opportunity to combine scientific insight with strategic leadership, scaling a high-value business serving global biotech and pharmaceutical clients.

If you are working remotely regular travel to Vienna will be required.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Define and execute a multi-year growth strategy, transforming the organization from bespoke research projects into a scalable, standardized service portfolio.
  • Commercial Growth: Lead business development, securing Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and high-value contracts with biotech and pharmaceutical clients worldwide.
  • Scientific-Commercial Interface: Partner with the CSO/technical leadership to translate complex neuroscience capabilities into client-ready services, ensuring offerings remain at the cutting edge while commercially viable.
  • Organizational Scaling: Restructure internal operations, talent, and processes to support scalable, efficient, and high-quality delivery across all projects.
  • Financial Oversight: Manage P&L, optimize pricing, and implement margin-focused models to drive self-sustaining revenue and long-term financial stability.
  • Market Positioning: Build the organization’s reputation as a trusted partner in neuroscience CRO services, leveraging strategic collaborations, thought leadership, and value-focused messaging.
  • Stakeholder Management: Serve as primary interface for investors, partners, and clients, aligning scientific milestones with commercial objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Revenue growth from recurring partnerships and long-term contracts.
  • Launch and successful adoption of a standardized service portfolio.
  • Client satisfaction scores and operational delivery excellence (on-time, on-budget).
  • Expansion of strategic partnerships and a robust business development pipeline.
  • Operational efficiency and scalable infrastructure to support continued growth.

Requirements

Professional Competencies

  • Proven ability to lead a high-growth organization, scaling operations while maintaining quality and scientific integrity.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience securing and managing complex contracts with biotech/pharma clients.
  • Track record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams in a scientific or technical environment.
  • Skilled at bridging the scientific-commercial divide, translating technical capabilities into market-ready services.
  • Financially savvy, with P&L responsibility and experience implementing margin-focused, sustainable business models.

Experience & Education

  • Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, or Business (MBA or equivalent executive leadership training preferred).
  • Demonstrated credibility in neuroscience or related preclinical research environments.
  • Exposure to international markets and the ability to operate effectively in a remote and cross-cultural context.
  • Experience with investor relations, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation.

Leadership Traits

  • Visionary, strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate market trends.
  • Collaborative, inspiring leader capable of working with strong scientific co-founders.
  • Persuasive communicator able to engage clients, investors, and internal teams.
  • Resilient, decisive, and results-driven with a clear focus on growth and operational excellence.

Benefits

This is an opportunity to define the future of a specialized neuroscience CRO, combining scientific excellence with commercial impact to drive long-term growth and global recognition.

Apply now to lead, transform, and make an impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

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MR

Marcus Rivera

Chief Revenue Officer

m.rivera@company.com
linkedin.com/in/marcusrivera
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