Interim Coo

Join Baxiva and help shape the future of bacterial vaccines

Baxiva is a pre-seed biotechnology startup developing next-generation glycoconjugate vaccines to prevent infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Our lead vaccine candidate targets Escherichia coli, a leading cause of complicated urinary tract infections and sepsis worldwide, and a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Backed by cutting-edge science and operating in Schlieren and on ETH Zurich’s Hönggerberg campus, Baxiva offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact science with real-world clinical potential.

Your role

We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer to optimize operations and prepare for an upcoming seed financing round. This is a hands-on role for someone who can set up lightweight systems across finance, budget/grant reporting, HR, legal/contracts, and operational governance.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Review established finance, HR, reporting, and governance operations. Identify gaps, propose and implement improved procedures.
• Strengthen budget and spend tracking for grant and investor reporting.
• Establish financial models to forecast cash runway and upcoming financing needs.
• Develop a valuation framework to support investor discussions and round structuring.
• Refine business plan and fundraising narrative to support the upcoming round.
• Set up scalable admin operations, including onboarding an administrative assistant and/or outsourcing of routine tasks.

Your profile

We’re looking for an experienced operator who is committed to delivering high-quality and stage-appropriate solutions. You bring:

• 5+ years of experience in biotech finance and/or operational leadership.
• Familiarity with financial modeling for biotech startups (long development times, high cost of clinical development, market access considerations).
• Excellent communication skills in German and English.

What we offer

You will join a small and agile team of outstanding scientists working in a friendly and collaborative environment to build a next-generation vaccine platform. Expect flexible work arrangements, close collaboration with founders and potential exposure to advisors, investors and partners. Possibility for a continued advisory role by mutual agreement.

Engagement

• Start: ASAP
• Duration: 2-6 months (extendable by mutual agreement)
• Time commitment: 1-3 days/week (flexible, depending on workload)

Curious? So are we

We look forward to receiving your application. Please include the following documents:

• CV
• A short statement (max. 1 page) outlining your relevant experience and motivation.