Vice President of Preclinical Research

A fast-growing, venture-backed biotechnology company is seeking an experienced scientific leader to drive its preclinical discovery strategy across cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. The company is advancing an innovative platform with the goal of delivering transformative therapies for patients with serious cardiac conditions. **The Role** As Head of Preclinical / VP Preclinical Research, you will be responsible for leading discovery programmes from target identification through to development candidate nomination. Working closely with the CEO and founding team, you will shape scientific strategy, build and guide research teams, and represent the preclinical function in scientific, operational, and BD/fundraising contexts. This role is ideal for a hands-on scientific leader with deep expertise in cardiovascular or cardiometabolic biology, and a proven track record of advancing assets through preclinical milestones. **Key Responsibilities** - Lead preclinical strategy from early discovery through candidate nomination. - Oversee design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro, in vivo, and translational studies. - Guide target identification, validation, MOA exploration, and lead optimisation. - Manage and collaborate with external partners, CROs, and academic partners. - Partner closely with the CEO to support fundraising, scientific diligence, and business development activities. - Provide scientific leadership across cross-functional teams including biology, pharmacology, and translational sciences. - Build and mentor an expanding research organisation as the company scales. **Experience Required** - Advanced scientific degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in cardiovascular biology, cardiometabolism, pharmacology, or related field. - Significant experience in cardiovascular or cardio-metabolic drug discovery within biotech or pharma. - Proven success moving programmes from early target ID through preclinical candidate nomination. - Strong understanding of disease models, translational biology, and preclinical development pathways. - Experience interacting with external stakeholders, BD teams, or supporting fundraising efforts. - Prior leadership of small teams or cross-functional project groups. **Location & Working Model** - The role is hybrid with **50% on-site presence in Vienna** required for team engagement and collaboration. - Candidates must be based in (or willing to relocate to) Austria or nearby European countries with practical travel links (e.g., Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, UK). **Why Join?** - Opportunity to help build a next-generation cardiovascular biotech from the ground up. - High-impact leadership role with strategic influence and visibility. - Work directly with a highly experienced founding team shaping the future of cardiac therapeutics. - Flexibility to begin in a fractional or consultancy capacity before moving into a full-time leadership position. Quelle: https://at.linkedin.com/jobs/view/vice-president-of-preclinical-research-at-qp-group-4351867247

Level: senior