CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER (CMO)

Bio Usawa; West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Bio Usawa seeks a visionary Chief Medical Officer to lead Clinical Development and Medical Affairs strategies across its Pan-African operations. The CMO will steer clinical development, medical affairs, and pharmacovigilance while aligning R&D, regulatory, manufacturing, and business teams to advance the pipeline.

The role requires MD with oncology or ophthalmology expertise, 10+ years in related fields, and a proven track record in global regulatory submissions and PM surveillance.

Qualifications

• MD with board certification or specialized training in Oncology or Ophthalmology.
• Minimum 10 years in clinical practice, translational medicine, or pharmaceutical/biotech sectors, focused on oncology or ophthalmology.
• Proven track record in clinical trial strategy, operations, and global regulatory submissions (BLA/NDA experience preferred).
• Prior experience with Post Marketing Surveillance.
• Leadership experience in a biotech startup or growth-stage company is highly desirable.
• Experience in large molecule (recombinant protein) development and/or commercialization is desirable.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Deep understanding of Pan-African healthcare landscapes and regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Spearhead the development and execution of global clinical and medical strategies.
• Clinical Development & Operations: Oversee design, implementation, and management of clinical trials.
• Medical Affairs: Direct medical communications, stakeholder engagement, and scientific advocacy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Manufacturing/CMC, Regulatory, BD, and Corporate Development.
• Regulatory Excellence: Drive submissions and ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead Regional Medical Directors and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory submissions

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Decision making

Education

MD with board certification in Oncology or specialized training in Ophthalmology

Advanced training in Ophthalmology (preferred)

Job description

Bio Usawa seeks an accomplished and visionary Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to lead our Clinical Development and Medical Affairs strategies while driving excellence across our Pan-African operations. As a key member of the executive team, the CMO will provide strategic oversight of Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Biometrics, Drug Safety & Risk Management and Pharmacovigilance. This role demands a collaborative leader capable of fostering cross-functional alignment with R&D, Manufacturing/CMC, Regulatory, Business Development (BD), and Corporate Development teams to advance our pipeline and corporate objectives.

Preferred Location

• Based in or willing to relocate to East Africa (preferably Rwanda). Hybrid work arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates.

Job Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Spearhead the development and execution of global clinical and medical strategies, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and regulatory standards.
• Clinical Development & Operations: Oversee the design, implementation, and management of clinical trials, including protocol development, data analysis, and trial execution.
• Medical Affairs: Direct medical communications, stakeholder engagement, and scientific advocacy to enhance Bio Usawa’s reputation as a leader in oncology and ophthalmology.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Manufacturing/CMC, Regulatory, BD, and Corporate Development to identify and prioritize pipeline opportunities, supporting due diligence and partnership initiatives.
• Regulatory Excellence: Drive submissions (e.g., BLAs, NDAs) and ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead Regional Medical Directors and multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional growth.

The Position Will Have The Following Direct Reports To

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Qualifications

• M.D. with board certification or specialized training in Oncology or Ophthalmology.
• Minimum 10 years in clinical practice, translational medicine, or pharmaceutical/biotech sectors, with a focus on oncology or ophthalmology.
• Proven track record in clinical trial strategy, operations, and global regulatory submissions (BLA/NDA experience preferred).
• Prior experience with Post Marketing Surveillance
• Prior leadership experience in a biotech startup or growth-stage company is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in large molecule (i.e., recombinant protein) development and/or commercialization is also highly desirable.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Deep understanding of Pan-African healthcare landscapes and regulatory environments.