Chief Executive Officer

About the Role

Magdalena Biosciences is seeking a visionary and highly entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our pioneering biotech venture through its next critical phase of growth and innovation. As a joint venture between Jaguar Health and Filament Health, Magdalena is uniquely positioned to revolutionize mental health treatment by developing pharmaceutical-grade, plant-derived medicines for conditions such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety using an unparalleled library of 2,300 medicinal plants. This is a high-impact, remote-first leadership role designed for a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of botanical drug development while operating in a lean, seed-stage environment. You will be responsible for translating raw botanical innovation into a validated clinical pipeline, securing Series A financing, and building the foundational culture of a company destined to redefine the CNS therapeutic landscape.

Key Responsibilities

As the Chief Executive Officer, you will define the scientific and corporate trajectory of the organization, ensuring a seamless transition from preclinical studies to validated clinical programs. You will take ownership of the company�s milestone-driven development plans, prioritizing high-value targets in adult ADHD and anxiety while maintaining a capital-efficient timeline that prepares the company for a robust Series A funding round.

• Lead all capital acquisition efforts, maximizing seed expansion and articulating a compelling, scientifically credible narrative to venture capitalists and impact investors.
• Direct the strategic prioritization of indications, leveraging Jaguar�s proprietary plant library and Filament�s drug development technology to identify novel mechanisms of action.
• Build and mentor a lean, elite, cross-functional team across R&D, clinical operations, and program management, fostering a culture of data-driven execution and smart risk-taking.
• Manage relationships with scientific founders, the Board of Directors, and the Scientific Advisory Board to ensure alignment on platform development and regulatory milestones.
• Identify and execute strategic alliances with academic institutions, biotechnology partners, and large pharmaceutical companies to enhance the company�s reach and capabilities.
• Oversee externalized operations, managing relationships with specialized CROs and vendors to ensure disciplined execution within a resource-constrained environment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a seasoned biotech executive with a proven track record of navigating the early-stage startup lifecycle from seed through successful venture financing. You must possess the scientific fluency to engage with top-tier researchers and the commercial acumen to build trust with sophisticated institutional investors.

• Extensive leadership experience in an early-stage biotechnology environment, previously serving as a CEO, Founder, COO, or Head of R&D.
• Demonstrated success in raising capital and securing venture financing, with a deep network in the biotech investment community.
• Direct expertise in botanical drug development (FDA botanical guidance) or neuropsychiatric/CNS drug pipelines is highly preferred.
• Advanced degree in Life Sciences or Medicine (PhD or MD) is required; an MBA or equivalent business credential is a significant advantage.
• Superior strategic agility, with the ability to make high-stakes decisions in ambiguous environments using incomplete data sets.
• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence, capable of managing complex stakeholder relationships across diverse scientific and corporate disciplines.

Benefits

Joining Magdalena Biosciences offers the rare opportunity to lead a revolutionary asset from raw botanical extract through to FDA approval, fundamentally changing how mental health care is delivered. We provide a high-autonomy environment where you will shape the culture and strategy of a high-potential venture from the ground floor.

• Competitive executive compensation package including base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Significant equity ownership in a high-growth, seed-stage biotechnology company.
• Fully remote flexibility within the USA, supported by a culture that values results over physical presence.
• Direct access to an elite network of visionary founders, institutional investors, and world-class scientific advisors.
• The chance to work at the forefront of the botanical drug movement, delivering safer, natural alternatives to chemically synthesized small molecules.

Required Skills