Chief Science Officer

Chief Science Officer (CSO) – Antiviral Drug Development Kimer Med is a biotechnology company based in Nelson. We’re developing a new class of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Join us in our vision to reduce suffering by ending viral disease. ABOUT THE ROLE We’re looking for an experienced Chief Science Officer (CSO) to lead Kimer Med’s scientific and development strategy as we move from lead optimisation into preclinical development and scale‑up. This is a senior leadership role, but you must be comfortable staying close to the science. You will work hands‑on with our research team and take ownership of scientific direction, study strategy, and development execution across our internal lab program and external partners (CROs, academic collaborators, and manufacturing partners as needed). This is a full‑time role based on‑site in Nelson, New Zealand. Open to contract or permanent. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE Setting and executing Kimer Med’s R&D strategy across discovery, lead optimisation, and preclinical development. Providing day‑to‑day scientific leadership to a multidisciplinary team (virology, cell biology, protein work, assays, and process/scale‑up). Designing and driving go/no‑go decision points for candidate selection, with clear data standards. Leading the strategy for preclinical packages (efficacy, PK/PD, safety/toxicology) and ensuring studies are designed to meet future regulatory expectations. Overseeing external partners (CROs and collaborators): scope, protocol review, timelines, data quality, interpretation, and reporting. Working closely with process development/pilot manufacturing to ensure reproducible material supply and ensuring CMC decisions align with development strategy. Building a culture of scientific rigor: experimental design, repeatability, documentation standards, and biosafety. Supporting IP strategy in collaboration with external patent counsel (invention capture, scientific rationale, and prioritisation). Contributing to investor and partner diligence: scientific narrative, data‑room readiness, technical Q&A, and presentations. Ensuring appropriate governance for scientific risk management and quality (in partnership with QA/CMC resources). YOU MUST Have a PhD, MD, DVM (or equivalent) in virology, biochemistry, pharmacology, medicine, or a closely related life sciences field. Have significant drug development experience, ideally including one or more of: preclinical candidate selection, IND‑enabling studies, or early clinical development support. Be fluent and articulate in written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate clearly to scientists, investors, and partners. Demonstrate strong leadership: you can set direction, prioritise, coach, and hold a team accountable while staying respectful and collaborative. Be organised, accurate, and detail‑oriented in how you think, document, and make decisions. Have experience working in a PC‑2 environment. Be able to solve problems and deliver results in a fast‑moving startup environment. Be willing to travel occasionally for partners, collaborators, and investor meetings. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Antiviral drug discovery and development (broad‑spectrum antivirals highly desirable). Experience with regulatory interactions (FDA/TGA/Medsafe) and translating science into regulator‑ready plans. Deep familiarity with outsourcing models: CRO selection/management, vendor oversight, and data QA. CMC understanding: process development, scale‑up, formulation thinking, and quality system fundamentals (even if not a CMC specialist). Experience in biotech startups or small, high‑accountability teams. Demonstrated ability to build high‑quality experimental standards and documentation discipline (ELN and reporting). Experience preparing scientific materials for investor/partner due diligence. Please note that a successful applicant will be required to complete a pre‑employment drug‑screen and police records check as conditions of employment. Our office and facilities are in Annesbrook, Nelson, New Zealand. #J-18808-Ljbffr