Chief Executive Officer - Neuroscience CRO

Chief Executive Officer - Neuroscience CRO at LUKA GLOBAL

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer - Neuroscience CRO to lead the commercial transformation of a specialized neuroscience organization, transitioning it from research-focused operations into a market-leading, service-oriented Contract Research Organization (CRO). This is a rare opportunity to combine scientific insight with strategic leadership, scaling a high-value business serving global biotech and pharmaceutical clients.

Location: Remote across Europe (regular travel to Vienna expected).

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute a multi-year growth strategy, transforming the organization from bespoke research projects into a scalable, standardized service portfolio.
• Commercial Growth: Lead business development, securing Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and high-value contracts with biotech and pharmaceutical clients worldwide.
• Scientific-Commercial Interface: Partner with the CSO/technical leadership to translate complex neuroscience capabilities into client-ready services, ensuring offerings remain at the cutting edge while commercially viable.
• Organizational Scaling: Restructure internal operations, talent, and processes to support scalable, efficient, and high-quality delivery across all projects.
• Financial Oversight: Manage P&L, optimize pricing, and implement margin-focused models to drive self-sustaining revenue and long-term financial stability.
• Market Positioning: Build the organization’s reputation as a trusted partner in neuroscience CRO services, leveraging strategic collaborations, thought leadership, and value-focused messaging.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as primary interface for investors, partners, and clients, aligning scientific milestones with commercial objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue growth from recurring partnerships and long-term contracts.
• Launch and successful adoption of a standardized service portfolio.
• Client satisfaction scores and operational delivery excellence (on-time, on-budget).
• Expansion of strategic partnerships and a robust business development pipeline.
• Operational efficiency and scalable infrastructure to support continued growth.

Candidate Profile

Professional Competencies

• Proven ability to lead a high-growth organization, scaling operations while maintaining quality and scientific integrity.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience securing and managing complex contracts with biotech/pharma clients.
• Track record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams in a scientific or technical environment.
• Skilled at bridging the scientific-commercial divide, translating technical capabilities into market-ready services.
• Financially savvy, with P&L responsibility and experience implementing margin-focused, sustainable business models.

Experience & Education

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, or Business (MBA or equivalent executive leadership training preferred).
• Demonstrated credibility in neuroscience or related preclinical research environments.
• Exposure to international markets and the ability to operate effectively in a remote and cross-cultural context.
• Experience with investor relations, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation.

Leadership Traits

• Visionary, strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate market trends.
• Collaborative, inspiring leader capable of working with strong scientific co-founders.
• Persuasive communicator able to engage clients, investors, and internal teams.
• Resilient, decisive, and results-driven with a clear focus on growth and operational excellence.

This is an opportunity to define the future of a specialized neuroscience CRO, combining scientific excellence with commercial impact to drive long-term growth and global recognition.

Apply now to lead, transform, and make an impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

Key skills/competency

• Strategic Leadership
• Commercial Growth
• Business Development
• Neuroscience CRO
• P&L Management
• Organizational Scaling
• Stakeholder Management
• Market Positioning
• Biotech/Pharma Contracts
• Investor Relations