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Ephyra seeks Executive Chair

Portfolio company Ephyra is a pioneer in the bespoke RNA space. The opportunity for an Executive Chair has arisen - could you be the right person for this role?

Ephyra is doing something unique: creating designer sponge RNA technology to improve disease treatments.

Their innovative work sees them take an organic rather than chemical approach, using the body’s own resources better, to create effective treatments that can simplify drug regimens, reduce side effects, and improve patient outcomes.

They are currently validating their sponge RNA technology through platform and pipeline development, with a focus on achieving key proof-of-concept milestones. At this key point, they're seeking a leader to work with Founder, Lavenniah Annadoray (Lavi), in an Executive Chair/Co-Founder capacity.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in the healthcare space, by helping to drive Ephyra through the next stage of growth. As Executive Chair, you will be hands-on and work in partnership with Lavi on all aspects of business development, strategic direction, fundraising and exploring partnership opportunities.

If you are excited by the science, well networked in the life sciences/pharma/investor space, and looking for the opportunity to be a major influencer in the RNA space, they'd love to hear from you.

They are open to applications from different backgrounds to complement the existing team expertise. So, if you think you can offer something valuable that differs from the details of the job spec (below), don’t be discouraged from applying to info@ephyra.bio.

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Job Description - Executive Chair at Ephyra

About Ephyra

Ephyra is a pioneering pre-seed biotechnology start-up, originally spun out from the esteemed National University of Singapore. Our mission centres on advancing cellular health treatments through the development of innovative designer sponge RNA technology. Specifically, we target microRNAs (miRNA), a crucial class of RNAs implicated in various diseases.

Utilising our proprietary platform, we engineer bespoke sponge RNAs, capable of transcending the limitations of conventional methods. This approach offers broad therapeutic potential across diverse medical domains. At Ephyra, we are committed to validating our sponge RNA technology through platform and pipeline development, with a focus on achieving key proof-of-concept milestones.

Our next fundraising round is underway, with completion in mid to late 2024.

The Role

We seek an experienced, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking Executive Chair to join our dynamic team. This hybrid role combines traditional chair responsibilities with a strategic emphasis on business development and fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead pre-seed fundraising efforts, including crafting pitching materials, engaging potential investors, and securing non-dilutive funding through grant proposals.
  • Drive business growth by identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships and collaborations within the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
  • Define critical business milestones and implement operational strategies to achieve them.
  • Oversee contract negotiation and agreements with collaborators.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Facilitate agenda setting and preparation for board and company meetings.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Expand company presence through effective networking initiatives.
  • Embrace a collaborative, agile team approach to meet evolving needs.

Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmaceutics, or related life-sciences field (Desirable)
  • MBA or prior business development experience in start-up environments.
  • Experience as a founder or co-founder of an early-stage biotech, with a successful track record in fundraising.
  • Extensive experience in the biopharma sector with deep knowledge of drug discovery and development.
  • Exceptional senior-level communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence industry leaders.

Location

Hybrid – combination of working from home and in-person team meetings based in Cambridge, UK.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will understand the early-stage nature of our company and the corresponding remuneration structure. However, compensation will be tied to securing external financing, both dilutive and non-dilutive, with an option for an unapproved share package from the outset.

Please send your CV and Cover Letter to info@ephyra.bio.