Chief Medical Officer / SVP Clinical Development (m/f/d)

SJP Biotec GmbH is a clinical-stage precision oncology company pioneering a first-in-class Selective Translation Regulatory Inhibitor (STRI) platform powered to overcome treatment resistance in refractory cancers. Founded in 2024, SJP targets RAS-driven, hormone-receptor-positive, and immune-refractory tumors with a novel pipeline of small molecules developed in our lab and ready to proceed with regulatory-grade trials.
Backed by a Scientific Advisory Board that includes world-leading authorities in RAS and breast cancer biology, and immuno-oncology, SJP has established clinical partnerships with leading medical centers world-wide including UCSF, NCI, MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, MSKCC, and McGill, to name a few.

This is a stimulating and unique opportunity to join a scientifically exceptional, capital-efficient biotech company doing groundbreaking work at a pivotal inflection point. The CMO/SVP of Clinical Development will serve as the company's most senior clinical leader, responsible for designing and executing a multi-indication clinical development strategy across one of the most compelling areas in the current oncology drug development field - RAS/eIF4A/translation-pathway inhibition.

• Translate and deliver key directives from the board and senior management, and serve as the clinical face of the company.
• Lead and manage all clinical development activities across the SJP portfolio
• Design Phase 2 and 3 clinical protocols and oversee CTA/IND submissions to BfArM, FDA, and EMA
• Develop and implement biomarker-driven patient selection strategies
• Build and manage relationships with leading academic and clinical sites across Germany, the EU, and the US
• Oversee Investigator Initiated Trials and partnerships, providing scientific leadership and interactions as required
• Lead regulatory strategy, developing approaches for Fast Track Designation, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, and accelerated approval pathways as applicable
• Support pharmaceutical partnering activities - prepare clinical data packages and respond to due diligence for potential licensing and out-licensing transactions
• Build out of the clinical development and operations function, including recruitment of CRAs, medical monitors, and data management staff
• Present clinical data at major oncology congresses and to key opinion leaders
• Interact with potential investors and financial institutions to raise capital when needed.

Essential Qualifications

• MD, with specialization in medical oncology and hematology
• 10+ years of experience in oncology clinical development within pharma, biotech, or CRO settings with hands-on clinical trial leadership
• Demonstrated track record of successful IND/CTA submissions
• Leadership of interactions with FDA and/or EMA
• Experience with biomarker-driven trial design and companion diagnostic development
• Expertise in breast cancer, NSCLC, and KRAS-mutant tumor biology
• Strong understanding of the competitive treatment landscape in clinical oncology
• Proven ability to manage investigator-initiated trials and academic site partnerships
• Strong scientific publication and/or congress presentation record in clinical oncology
• Excellent presentation skills
• Emphasizing teamwork and leading a team of experts in their fields

Highly Desired (But not required)

• Experience with RAS/KRAS biology, MAPK pathway inhibitors, or translation-pathway therapeutics
• PhD in an associated area of cancer biology
• Experience with basket trial design and multi-cohort oncology studies
• Background in immuno-oncology combinations, particularly in checkpoint inhibitor resistance settings
• Prior involvement in pharma partnering or licensing due diligence from the biotech side
• Working knowledge of German regulatory frameworks alongside international GCP/ICH guidelines
• Established professional network at leading cancer centres

• Location: Zurich, Switzerland; flexibility for remote/hybrid arrangements. 
• Travel: It is expected that regular travel to EU and US clinical sites will be required
• Contract type: Full-time; VP/C-suite equivalent, reporting to the Managing Director
• Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with industry norms and annual performance-related bonus
• Start date: As soon as possible

All applications and inquiries will be handled with full discretion. We will not contact your current employer, or approach any references, without your express permission.

Please send your application (CV/resume plus a brief cover letter) by email to careers@sjpbiotec.com with the subject line: Application — CMO / SVP Clinical Development.

SJP Biotec is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in clinical research and drug development. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.