Chief Scientific Officer

*This a hybrid role - Europe based.*

Invenia Search has partnered with a fast-growing, science-led ingredients company to hire a Chief Scientific Officer. You will lead the company’s science and innovation, turning a powerful discovery platform into a steady pipeline of clinically validated, commercially successful bioactive ingredients.

Role Responsibilities:

You will own the scientific strategy and lead a team of PhD scientists across discovery, development, scale-up and clinical validation. You will also:

• Set the scientific vision, R&D roadmap and innovation priorities, in line with commercial goals
• Lead discovery and development of new bioactive ingredients, with a target of two new branded ingredients each year
• Strengthen and apply the company’s data-driven discovery platform, connecting computational and wet lab science
• Guide preclinical and clinical programmes that support health claims and market adoption
• Partner with operations and contract manufacturers on scale-up and tech transfer
• Work with Regulatory to build robust, compliant evidence packages across key markets
• Hire, develop and inspire a high-performing scientific team
• Represent the company’s science with partners, investors and the wider scientific community

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an exceptional scientific leader who has taken bioactive ingredients or molecules from discovery to market.

• PhD in biochemistry, peptide or protein science, molecular biology or a related field
• Deep expertise in peptide or protein science, with a track record of discovery and development
• Senior R&D leadership experience in ingredients, nutrition, biotech or pharma
• Experience designing preclinical and clinical programmes that support claims and commercialisation
• Familiarity with computational, AI or bioinformatics-led discovery
• Proven ability to lead and grow teams of PhD-level scientists
• A strategic, hands-on leader who is comfortable in a fast-moving, venture-backed business
• Europe-based, with flexibility for hybrid working and regular travel

Sound Interesting? If you are looking for an executive role where you can lead world-class science and shape the next generation of health ingredients, we would like to hear from you.