[Hiring] Co-Founding CEO @CAREERS AT NLC

Role Description

The CEO will lead all aspects of the venture's growth, from setting strategy to advancing its first programs into clinical trials. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines scientific understanding with strong business and fundraising skills. The CEO will decide the indication strategy, secure new funding, build and lead the team, and represent the company to investors, partners, and the broader biotech community. This is a unique opportunity to shape a first-in-class biotech from the ground up, driving a platform with potential impact across multiple chronic diseases.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company's strategy, aligning science, operations, and business goals.
• Lead fundraising (seed, Series A), leveraging networks and partnerships to secure capital and strategic collaborations.
• Choose and prioritize indication strategy (such as DKD, obesity, atherosclerosis, or MASH) based on opportunity, patient need, and risk.
• Oversee the transition from preclinical to IND submission and clinical development.
• Build and manage a team as the company progresses.
• Collaborate closely with Professor Ann Marie Schmidt and advisors to integrate scientific excellence with commercial strategy.
• Represent the venture in front of investors, partners, and the scientific community.

Qualifications

• Proven biotech or life sciences leader with early-stage venture experience.
• Successful fundraising track record.
• Strong scientific and strategic understanding of metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, obesity) or related areas.
• Experience guiding programs through preclinical and regulatory development toward the clinic.
• Ability to turn complex science into a clear, fundable business plan.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with investors, advisors, and diverse stakeholders.
• A hands-on, adaptable leader who thrives in dynamic startup environments, with integrity, credibility, and a collaborative mindset.

Compensation

• Equity only, transitioning to salary after fundraising.

Commitment

• Part-time to start, with greater time commitment expected as the company scales.

Start Date

• ASAP preferred, Q4 2026 at the latest.