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Chief Executive Officer – Neuroscience CRO

LUKA GLOBAL GROUP

Role overview

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, or Business (MBA or equivalent executive leadership training preferred).
  • Demonstrated credibility in neuroscience or related preclinical research environments.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience securing and managing complex contracts with biotech/pharma clients.
  • Experience with investor relations, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute a multi-year growth strategy to transform bespoke research projects into a scalable, standardized service portfolio.
  • Lead business development to secure MSAs and high-value contracts with biotech/pharma clients worldwide.
  • Partner with the CSO/technical leadership to translate neuroscience capabilities into client-ready services that are cutting edge and commercially viable.
  • Restructure internal operations, talent, and processes to support scalable, efficient, high-quality delivery.

About the company

LUKA GLOBAL GROUP logo

LUKA GLOBAL GROUP

Staffing & Recruiting

LUKA GLOBAL Group is an international executive search firm serving the European life sciences & deeptech startups & innovation ecosystem. Our team has over 20 years of experience in medical devices, digital health, telecomms, deeptech and biotech recruitment, entrepreneurship and human resources. We understand what it takes to start and grow a successful business from the ground up. We have done it ourselves. We are people-focused and outcome-oriented, but most of all we are partners to our clients and candidates.

Company details

Company typeStartup
IndustryStaffing & Recruiting
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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