Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

The Swiss Cancer Institute is the national network for clinical cancer research in Switzerland. Since 1965, we have been committed to improving cancer treatment for the Swiss population as a non-profit organization. Guided by our vision "Clinical research for a cure tomorrow," we conduct oncology clinical trials and serve as a key partner for authorities, professional associations, and the pharmaceutical industry. Approximately 70 employees at our Competence Center in Bern work closely with all leading oncology clinics across the country.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a dedicated colleague to join us immediately or by arrangement as an

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) 80-100% 

• Scientific & Strategic Leadership: Drive the overall scientific strategy & implementation, support study protocol development, ensure GCP and research quality, and serve as scientific spokesperson to authorities and partners. You will oversee planning and control of finances, timelines, quality, and resources of the unit, ensuring successful project execution until transfer to Clinical Operations
• Research & Innovation: Monitor global trends (e.g., immunotherapies, precision medicine, AI in oncology), initiate and support innovative research projects, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration. Contribute to efficiency of the organization in terms of speed and costs of trial development
• Networking & Partnerships: Build and expand national and international research collaborations (e.g., pharma and biotech partners, International research groups, National Partners and platforms). Represent the institute at leading oncology conferences (ASCO, ESMO, ASH). Build strong relationships with research group leadership, core teams and contribute to the development of a strong research network across cancer types
• Business Development: Develop new partnerships with industry and funding bodies, contribute to grant applications and fundraising, and translate complex research into impactful messages for stakeholders, policymakers, and the public
• Executive Leadership: Lead the Clinical Science team (Senior Scientific Director, Head of Clinical Development, Medical Science Liaison), mentor scientific talent, and contribute actively to the Executive Board. Represent the Clinical Science team in key decision bodies in alignment with the CEO, the Senior Scientific Director and the COO

• University degree in medicine (MD), natural or pharmaceutical sciences (PhD) or a related field 
• Proven track record in oncology/hematology or related life sciences, with experience in Investigator Initiated Trials (Academic track record in leading clinical research is a strong plus)
• Significant leadership and management experience (C-level/Executive Board, across multiple reporting levels)
• Strong background in clinical research, translational science, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Industry experience (Business Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs) is an advantage
• Strong strategic mindset, entrepreneurial attitude, and solution-oriented thinking. Excellent project management expertise
• Very good skills in communication, representation and negotiating
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and German or French (Italian a plus)
• High resilience, integrity, and decision-making ability

Join us and make a meaningful contribution to clinical cancer research in Switzerland. You can expect a collegial and dynamic work environment located near the main train station, flexible annual working hours, up to six weeks of vacation upon request, and a hybrid work model (two days on-site, three days remote for a 100% workload).

Would you like to contribute to one of the greatest health challenges of our time? We look forward to receiving your application! For further information, please contact Vincent Gruntz, CEO (Tel. 031 389 91 91)

Effingerstrasse 33
3008 Bern
+41 31 389 91 91

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