Chief Medical Officer (CMO) & Partner (Part-Time)
Company Overview
We are representing a venture-backed medical technology startup developing a patented, Class IIa medical device to treat alopecia (hair loss) through a safe, non-invasive approach. The technology is based on advanced photobiomodulation and a unique hybrid care model combining in-clinic sessions with a doctor-supervised at-home device. The company has a strong intellectual property position, an experienced advisory setup, and a clear regulatory pathway targeting a mid-2027 market entry, initially focusing on Spain and Germany.
Role Summary
Title: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) & Partner
Engagement: Part-time (~20 hours/week), flexible
Location: Europe (Germany preferred, not mandatory)
Language: English required; German strongly preferred
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-potential startup as a true strategic partner, not just an employee. We are seeking a Dermatologist to lead the clinical and medical direction of the company, shaping clinical trials, medical strategy, and scientific credibility as the company progresses toward MDR milestones and commercial launch.
The ideal profile is a strong clinician who is comfortable working close to the business side, and motivated by building something meaningful and long-term.
Key Responsibilities
1) Clinical & Medical Strategy
- Own and execute the overall clinical development and medical affairs strategy.
- Provide medical leadership and input on product development, regulatory strategy (MDR), and clinical claims.
- Serve as the internal medical authority, ensuring quality and credibility in all clinical/scientific decisions.
- Coordinate closely with the Board of Advisers, aligning clinical priorities, study strategy, scientific positioning, and key decision points.
2) Clinical Trial Leadership
- Lead the design and execution of pivotal clinical studies done in collaboration with leading academic institutions like Universitat Pompeu Fabra – UPF.
- Collaborate with CROs, clinical sites, and investigators to ensure high-quality execution, timelines, and compliance.
3) Medical Community & KOL Engagement
- Build relationships with dermatology KOLs, clinics, and medical associations across Europe.
- Act as the scientific ambassador for the company—supporting clinical credibility and commercial readiness.
4) Scientific Communication & Publications
- Represent the company at key dermatology congresses and scientific forums.
- Drive publication strategy and ensure dissemination of clinical outcomes in reputable channels.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- MD with board certification/specialization in Dermatology.
- Ability to contribute as a senior medical leader in a startup setting (hands-on, pragmatic, collaborative).
- English fluency.
Strongly preferred (but not mandatory):
- German fluency and/or strong network in the German dermatology ecosystem.
- Clinical development / medical affairs leadership experience, or PI experience in clinical trials (device or pharma).
- Familiarity with MDR and working with regulatory stakeholders.
Nice-to-have / Advantage:
- Hair/alopecia expertise (highly valuable).
- Strong biological/clinical interest in hair-related mechanisms and treatment outcomes.
What’s Unique About This Opportunity
- True partnership: meaningful equity participation (late co-founder-style setup).
- Clinical ownership: shape the clinical roadmap of a patented Class IIa device through trials to launch.
- Build with influence: high visibility role with real strategic impact across clinical, scientific, and business priorities.