Chief Scientific Officer

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)Cardiff, UK | Relocation Support & Visa Sponsorship AvailableBuild the scientific direction of a next-generation AI-enabled biotech.Antiverse is looking for a Chief Scientific Officer to help shape the next chapter of the company. This is a rare opportunity to join an AI-driven antibody discovery business at a pivotal stage of growth and determine not only which programmes move forward, but what the company becomes over the next decade.We're looking for a scientific leader who can combine deep disease biology expertise with exceptional strategic judgement, helping to connect biology, technology, AI and therapeutics into a differentiated platform and pipeline.About AntiverseAntiverse is an AI-driven biotech company developing antibodies against some of the most difficult targets in medicine, including GPCRs and ion channels.By combining machine learning, advanced cell engineering, antibody discovery and high-throughput biology, the company is building a platform designed to create therapeutics that were previously difficult or impossible to discover.The next phase of growth is not simply about discovering more antibodies.It's about building a world-class, disease-informed platform capable of repeatedly generating better therapeutic opportunities.Current areas of focus include:Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)MASH / metabolic diseaseInflammatory diseasesComplex biologics and antibody therapeuticsThe OpportunityYou will work directly with the CEO, leadership team, board, investors and scientific teams to determine:Which disease areas Antiverse should prioritiseWhich targets deserve investmentWhich datasets should be generatedWhich biological systems should be builtHow experimental biology and AI should work togetherHow the platform evolves over timeHow programmes are progressed from hypothesis to partner-ready assetsThis role is as much about scientific judgement as it is scientific expertise.What You'll Be Responsible ForDefining Antiverse's scientific strategy and long-term directionBuilding and evolving therapeutic area strategyAdvancing programmes within IPF and MASHLeading target identification and prioritisation activitiesDeveloping disease-informed platform strategyGuiding translational biology and pharmacology effortsDefining in vitro and in vivo validation strategiesWorking closely with AI and machine learning teams to shape dataset generationLeading progression of antibody programmes from discovery through preclinical developmentSupporting partnering, licensing and external collaborationsActing as a key scientific representative for investors, pharmaceutical partners and advisorsBuilding and mentoring a high-performing scientific organisationWhat We're Looking ForEssentialSignificant scientific leadership experience within biotech or pharmaceutical drug discoveryDeep expertise in IPF, MASH, fibrosis, metabolic disease, inflammation or closely related biologyStrong biologics and/or antibody discovery backgroundExperience progressing programmes through discovery and preclinical developmentStrong translational biology expertiseExperience leading multidisciplinary scientific teamsTrack record of portfolio, target selection and programme prioritisation decisionsAbility to communicate complex science to investors, boards and external partnersStrategic mindset with the ability to connect science and commercial impactHighly DesirablePrevious CSO or senior executive scientific leadership experienceGPCR biology expertiseIon channel biology expertiseAI-enabled drug discovery experienceTechBio experienceFundraising exposureLicensing and partnering experienceExperience building platform companies rather than individual therapeutic programmesWho Will Thrive Here?You'll likely be a fit if you:Think beyond individual assets and programmesEnjoy connecting disease biology, technology and therapeutic strategyAre comfortable making difficult portfolio decisionsCan operate at both scientific and executive levelAre excited by ambiguity and company-buildingWant genuine influence over the future direction of a businessAre motivated by building something rather than maintaining itPackageCompetitive base salaryMeaningful stock option packagePrivate medical insuranceFlexible working hoursRelocation supportVisa sponsorship available for exceptional candidatesModern office and laboratory facilitiesEquipment allowance25 days annual leave plus public holidaysAdditional Summer FridaysFor a confidential discussion, please get in touch.