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Site Head, Xilis BV
Xilis
Utrecht, Netherlands
Posted on Jun 3, 2025
Xilis is an innovation-driven biotech company developing its proprietary MicroOrganoSphere (“MOS”) Technology for functional precision oncology. Xilis’ MOS Technology enables rapid and scalable generation of patient tumor models that retain patient-specific tumor biology and tumor microenvironment, representing one of the most translationally relevant ex vivo technologies for precision oncology drug discovery and development. The headquarters, Xilis, Inc., is located in Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, and the subsidiary Xilis B.V. is located in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Xilis is building a functional precision medicine platform that incorporates scaled multi-modal profiling of therapeutic activity and AI/ML-enabled analytics to catalyze functional precision medicine drug discovery, development, and diagnostics. Collectively, Xilis aims to harness its MOS Platform to enable the development of the most effective therapeutics and guide them to the right patients at the right time.
About the role
Xilis BV, the Dutch subsidiary of Xilis Inc., is seeking a dynamic and experienced Site Head to lead our operations in the Netherlands. The Site Head will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and administrative leadership of the site, ensuring the alignment of local initiatives with the global objectives of the company. The Site Head will work closely with the Scientific Lead of Xilis BV to jointly guide the scientific direction of the site. We’re looking for a visionary leader with a strong background in oncology, translational research, or preclinical drug development, and a proven track record in organizational leadership and team development. This role demands a hands-on executive who can manage and enhance the diverse functions essential to running a high-performing biotech startup. The candidate must ensure Xilis BV's strategic direction aligns with those of corporate headquarters. Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, clinical collaborators, and the board of directors. This is a unique opportunity to lead the European operations of an innovative biotech company and to shape a mission-driven organization at the forefront of functional precision medicine.
Responsibilities
- As part of Xilis’ executive leadership team, develop and implement the strategic vision for the Dutch site and contribute to overall company strategy
- Act as the primary representative of the Dutch entity to internal and external stakeholders
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence
- Build and maintain a high-performing, multidisciplinary team capable of executing ambitious R&D goals
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and reporting requirements for Xilis BV
- Drive operational efficiency, quality control, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Direct Finance, HR, Legal, and IT activities for Xilis BV and enable integration with headquarters as needed
- Operate successfully in a rapidly changing, fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Requirements
- PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in oncology, cancer biology, pharmacology, or a related field
- 8+ (10+ preferred) years of experience in biotech/pharma, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Proven track record of successfully establishing, leading, and/or managing a research site, operational unit, or subsidiary, preferably within a biotech startup or high-growth environment.
- Deep understanding of patient-derived models (e.g., PDX, organoids), tumor biology, and preclinical development
- Verifiable experience in building, leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
- Experience in managing budgets, financial forecasting, and reporting for a department, unit, or site.
- Strong understanding of biotech operations, including R&D workflows, quality control, and regulatory compliance relevant to preclinical research
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence
- Ability to effectively represent Xilis BV to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders Xilis Inc., board, collaborators, clinical partners, regulatory bodies)
Xilis was created when its three founders — an engineer, a physician, and a biologist — decided to come together and commercialize their technology to transform cancer care. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Furthermore, even if your work experience isn't perfectly aligned with what we've described above, if you're excited about what we're building then we want to talk to you!