Chief Scientific Officer

Allox; Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Allox, a pioneering biotech company in Barcelona, is seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead research and development initiatives. This role involves guiding drug discovery efforts and defining R&D strategy, while building a high-performing organization.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a chemistry-focused discipline and possess significant experience in small molecule drug discovery, backed by leadership experience in the biotech or pharma sectors. Flexibility within Europe is offered, with regular on-site engagement required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in small molecule drug discovery.
• Proven track record of progressing programmes from early discovery through development.
• Prior leadership experience in biotech or pharma.

Responsibilities

• Lead research programmes spanning target identification through preclinical development.
• Define and execute R&D strategy, guiding portfolio decisions.
• Build and lead a high-performing drug discovery organisation.
• Engage with investors, collaborators, and pharma partners.

Skills

Small molecule drug discovery

Leadership in biotech or pharma

Experience in oncology or immunology

AI-enabled drug discovery

Education

PhD in a chemistry-focused discipline

Job description

Barcelona, Spain | Full-Time / Hybrid | earliest July 2026

Description

Founded in 2023 as a spin-out from the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) of Barcelona, ALLOX is at the forefront of integrating genetics, artificial intelligence and biophysics to understand protein function and allosteric regulation. Our proprietary platform is enabling the discovery of novel therapeutics focused on modulating disease-relevant protein-protein interactions (PPIs), unlocking high-value targets that have historically been considered out of reach, not by predicting biology, but by measuring it.

While many of these targets are still considered “undruggable”, the challenge is rarely a lack of chemical binding potential. It is identifying which pockets are actually functional. We solve this by measuring biology directly. Using deep mutational scanning, we systematically evaluate how every amino acid substitution across a target protein impacts its binding affinity to its PPI partner, generating precise, residue-level functional maps that pinpoint truly functional orthosteric and allosteric pockets. Supported by a strong investor base and with our first small-molecule chemistry programs already underway, we are looking for a CSO to both drive these active assets forward and initiate new chemistry programs from our expanding platform engine.

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the founding team, the CSO will lead research programmes spanning target identification and prioritisation through discovery and preclinical development. They will play a central role in translating the platform's capabilities into a differentiated pipeline, while building and leading a high-performing drug discovery organisation. Key priorities include defining and executing R&D strategy, guiding portfolio decisions, leading multidisciplinary teams, and advancing internal and partnered programmes. The CSO will also be a key external scientific voice, engaging with investors, collaborators and pharma partners.

Candidates will bring a PhD in a chemistry-focused discipline, significant experience in small molecule drug discovery, and a proven track record of progressing programmes from early discovery through candidate selection and into development. Prior leadership experience in biotech or pharma is essential. Experience in oncology, immunology, AI-enabled drug discovery or novel mechanisms of action is a strong advantage.

The role offers flexibility within Europe, with regular on-site engagement expected with the Barcelona-based team.