Chief Business Officer

Gateway Biotechnology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, in the Research Triangle. The company is focused on drug repurposing and novel therapeutic approaches for unmet needs in hearing disorders, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

Gateway completed its seed financing in 2025 and is supported by two active U.S. Department of Defense translational research contracts, providing non-dilutive funding for its development programs. The company is preparing to raise a $10 million Series A to advance its lead asset toward first-in-human clinical studies. Located within the Research Triangle’s biotechnology ecosystem, Gateway can draw on the region’s clinical and translational expertise, including that of Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and other leading institutions.

Its core strengths include a drug-repurposing strategy, a differentiated therapeutic pipeline, significant unmet medical need, and an underserved hearing-health market.

Gateway is seeking a hands-on, investor-proven Chief Business Officer to lead business development and institutional investor engagement. Reporting directly to the Founder and CEO, the CBO will play a central role in financing the company’s next stage of growth. The immediate priority is to lead the Series A financing process from preparation through closing, while strengthening Gateway’s investment narrative, advancing strategic business development, and shaping its long-term commercial strategy.

Gateway will also consider candidates with substantial pharmaceutical industry experience who can lead co-development or strategic partnering opportunities for small-molecule therapeutics, particularly in neurological, sensory, or related therapeutic areas.

• Candidates must have personally led and successfully closed institutional financing rounds for biotechnology companies—preferably Series A or later—or have directly executed meaningful pharmaceutical co-development or strategic partnering transactions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex scientific, market, and financial data into clear business insights.
• Expertise in finance, including budgeting, forecasting, fundraising, and capital structuring for early-stage life sciences or biotech companies.
• Experience in business development, including negotiating partnerships, licensing agreements, and strategic alliances in a healthcare or biotech environment.
• Background in consulting or management consulting with demonstrable experience advising on strategy, operations, or growth initiatives.
• Proven leadership experience in an executive or senior business role, preferably within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medical technology.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and time zones.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, including interaction with investors, boards, and external partners.
• Advanced degree in business, finance, or a related field (e.g., MBA); scientific or healthcare background is a plus.
• Familiarity with drug development processes, clinical trials, and regulatory pathways is highly beneficial.

Gateway is specifically seeking an operator with a verifiable, hands-on track record in fundraising or business development execution. Advisory work, consulting, grant writing, or investor introductions alone will not satisfy this requirement.

The compensation package will include a competitive base salary, performance-based bonus, and significant equity participation, with additional incentives tied to successful completion of the Series A financing. The position is based in Durham, North Carolina, with a hybrid working arrangement. An immediate start is preferred.