Chief Scientific Officer; CSO

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – 80–100% – Member of the Executive Board

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 80 employees at our Competence Center in Bern work closely with all leading oncology clinics across the country.

• Lead and further develop the Clinical Science Department (approximately 10 people); shape and implement the scientific strategy of the institute; foster innovation and collaboration; represent the organization nationally and internationally.
• Support study protocol development, ensure GCP and research quality, and serve as scientific spokesperson to authorities and partners; oversee planning and control of finances, timelines, quality, and resources of the unit, ensuring successful project execution until transfer to Clinical Operations.
• Monitor global trends (immunotherapies, precision medicine, AI in oncology), initiate and support collaborations for innovative research projects, strengthen interdisciplinarity; contribute to the efficiency of the organization in terms of speed and costs of trial development.
• Build strong relationships with research group leadership, core teams; contribute to the development of a strong research network across cancer types; build and expand national and international research collaborations (e.g., national partners and platforms, international research groups, pharma and biotech partners); represent the institute at leading oncology conferences (ASCO, ESMO, ASH).
• Develop new partnerships with industry and funding bodies, contribute to grant applications and fundraising, translate complex research into impactful messages for stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
• Lead the Clinical Science team (Senior Scientific Director, Head of Clinical Development, Medical Science Liaison), mentor scientific talent, actively contribute 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.

• Leadership and management experience (experience influencing without hierarchy)
• 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
• Strong background in clinical research, translational science, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong strategic mindset, entrepreneurial attitude, solution‑oriented thinking, excellent project management expertise
• Very good communication, representation and negotiating skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
  German, French or Italian a plus
• High resilience, integrity, and decision‑making ability
• Experience in clinical trial methodology, data science or AI for clinical research either from industry (development, medical affairs) or from academia/hospital environment is an advantage

• Collegial and dynamic work environment
• Flexible annual working hours
• Up to six weeks of vacation upon request
• Hybrid work model (two days on‑site, three days remote for a 100% workload)