About the role
The Chief Scientific Officer sets the scientific vision of SPV Therapeutics and is accountable for the quality, rigor and productivity of its research and preclinical development. The role spans medicinal chemistry, biology, DMPK, toxicology and computational science, and is responsible for advancing SPV374 through IND-enabling studies while shaping the next generation of programs, including selective CDK4, selective CDK9 and PROTAC degraders.
The CSO is the scientific voice of the company with regulators, collaborators, scientific advisors and investors, and works closely with the CEO on portfolio strategy and with the clinical, regulatory and CMC functions as programs move toward the clinic.
Key responsibilities
Scientific strategy
- Define and communicate the research strategy, target product profiles and go/no-go criteria for each program.
- Lead the Scientific Advisory Board and cultivate academic and industry collaborations.
Discovery and preclinical development
- Direct medicinal chemistry, kinase profiling, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, biomarker discovery and translational research.
- Oversee GLP toxicology, DMPK and the scientific content of the IND, working with regulatory and CMC leaders.
- Manage CROs and external laboratories, including study design, oversight and data quality.
AI and data platform
- Guide the integration of generative design, kinome-selectivity modeling and digital-twin simulation into the discovery workflow.
- Maintain data-integrity standards and reproducible, auditable research records.
Intellectual property and communication
- Partner with patent counsel to identify and protect inventions and to manage the global patent portfolio.
- Present data to investors, partners, regulators and at scientific meetings; support publication strategy.
Team
- Recruit, mentor and retain scientists; build a collaborative, safety-minded laboratory culture.
Required qualifications
- PhD in medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, pharmacology or a related discipline (MD, MD/PhD also considered).
- 12+ years of drug-discovery and development experience in industry, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated success advancing small-molecule oncology candidates to IND, with deep knowledge of kinase inhibitors, resistance mechanisms and translational biomarkers.
- Strong record of publications and patents.
- Working knowledge of GLP toxicology, DMPK, CMC and FDA IND requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with CDK inhibitors or targeted protein degradation (PROTACs, molecular glues).
- Hands-on use of machine learning, structure-based design or digital-twin modeling in discovery.
- Experience with CROs and CDMOs, and with ex-U.S. regulatory agencies.
Compensation & benefits
Compensation includes a competitive base salary, an annual performance bonus and an equity award. Benefits are expected to include medical, dental and vision coverage, a retirement plan and paid time off. Final terms are set by the Board of Directors on the CEO's recommendation.
Equal opportunity
SPV Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need an accommodation during the application process, please tell us in your application.