Job opportunity

Project Director / Project Directoress

LifeDX SA Epalinges September 30, 2026

Project

Venture Creation

  • Lead the full cycle: ideation, validation, MVP development, pilot execution, and spin-off creation;
  • Develop business cases, financial models, and go-to-market strategies;
  • Conduct customer discovery, market assessment, and competitive analysis in IVD, molecular diagnostics, and biosensors;
  • Make data-driven kill/proceed decisions to optimize portfolio resources.

Team Building

  • Recruit founding teams (CEO, CTO, CSO) for spin-off companies;
  • Build Scientific Advisory Boards and expert networks;
  • Mentor portfolio teams and establish partnerships with academic institutions.

Fundraising

  • Prepare investment materials and negotiate with funds;
  • Structure funding rounds;
  • Present projects to the Investment Committee and external investors.

Governance & Regulatory

  • Serve on the Boards of Directors for spin-off companies;
  • Evaluate regulatory pathways;
  • Develop IP strategies and ensure compliance with standards.

Requirements

Mandatory

  • Education: PhD or Master's degree in biotechnology, biology, chemistry, bioengineering, medicine, or related sciences; MBA is an advantage;
  • Experience: 5+ years in venture building, corporate venturing, startup creation, or early-stage venture capital;
  • Track record: 3+ biotech/medtech projects created (from idea to fundraising or exit);
  • Scientific depth: strong understanding of IVD and biotechnological processes;
  • Regulatory knowledge: familiarity with Swissmedic, MDR/IVDR, FDA; familiarity with African regulators (SAHPRA, NAFDAC) is a plus;
  • Fundraising: proven experience conducting rounds from pre-seed to Series A;
  • Languages: fluent in English, and German or French (B2);
  • Board experience: active service on Boards of Directors or as a startup advisor.

Core Competencies

  • Entrepreneurial mindset: ability to create from scratch and thrive in high-uncertainty conditions;
  • Systems thinking: ability to understand both technology and business models;
  • Scientific depth: engage in dialogue with scientists and translate science into business value;
  • Fundraising skills: capabilities to pitch to investors, structure rounds, and negotiate term sheets;
  • Leadership: ability to attract and inspire teams, and mentor founders;
  • Cultural intelligence: adept at working across diverse cultures and regulatory environments.

Personal Qualities

  • Passion for innovation and comfort with uncertainty and risk;
  • Intellectual curiosity and ability to quickly immerse in new fields;
  • Resilience and aptitude for making difficult decisions;
  • Integrity and alignment with the values of European business culture;
  • Team spirit in collaboration with scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Nice to Have

  • Experience in the Swiss biotech ecosystem;
  • Network of contacts in the venture capital community (Europe, MENA, Africa);
  • Scientific publications, patents, or technology transfer experience;
  • Understanding of healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary package aligned with Swiss market standards;
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including a pension plan (BVG/LPP);
  • 5 weeks of annual vacation (in accordance with Swiss legislation);
  • Opportunities for professional development and international travel;
  • A dynamic, mission-driven work environment;
  • The chance to make a meaningful impact on healthcare development in Switzerland, Europe, and Africa;
  • Modern office with flexible working arrangements.

Legal and Compliance Information

  • Work Authorization: Only candidates with valid Swiss work permits or EU/EFTA citizenship will be considered, unless exceptional qualifications justify work permit sponsorship;
  • Equal Opportunity: LifeDX is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees;
  • Data Protection: All personal data is processed in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP/DSG). By applying, you consent to the processing of your data for recruitment purposes.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Work locationEpalinges, Switzerland

Application Form

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