GJR Ltd

Non-Executive Director

Protalea Bio · Life Sciences / Biotechnology

Remuneration: Equity-based (pre-institutional raise; details to be discussed)

Location: UK / Europe / USA (flexible)

Job description

Non-Executive Director

Part-time | Early-stage biotech

An opportunity has arisen to join Protalea Bio as a Non-Executive Director, supporting the development of first-in-class therapeutics targeting glycosphingolipid (GSL)-related inflammation. The company is focused on addressing pre-disease inflammation to halt the progression of cancer and neurodegenerative conditions.

This is a pivotal appointment at an early stage of the company’s growth, offering the opportunity to contribute to scientific innovation, strategic direction, and future fundraising activity.

The Role

As a Non-Executive Director, you will provide independent oversight, strategic input, and constructive challenge across the business. You will play a key role in shaping scientific, clinical, and regulatory strategy, while supporting the executive team through early-stage development and investment readiness.

You will work closely with founders, investors, and scientific stakeholders, contributing to robust governance and helping position the company for successful funding rounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight across scientific, clinical, and regulatory activities
• Review and challenge clinical development plans and early-phase trial designs
• Contribute to IP and regulatory strategy, including UK, EU, and US pathways
• Support preparation for fundraising, including pre-seed and seed rounds
• Engage with investors, clinicians, and scientific stakeholders
• Offer independent governance and constructive challenge at Board level
• Leverage networks to support partnerships, credibility, and growth

Candidate Profile

The Board is seeking a senior executive with strong experience across biotech, pharma, or clinical research environments.

You will bring:

• Deep understanding of early-phase clinical trials, including mechanistic or biomarker-driven designs
• Experience within rare disease development pathways
• Familiarity with UK, EU, and US regulatory frameworks
• Prior involvement with start-ups, spin-outs, or early-stage biotech companies
• Experience supporting or contributing to successful funding rounds
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across scientific, clinical, and investor communities
• A high-quality network within haematology, immunology, rare disease, or translational medicine

Time Commitment

Prior to the company’s first institutional raise, additional time may be required to support strategic development and fundraising activity.

Following investment, the expected commitment is approximately ½ day per month, including quarterly Board meetings.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join an innovative biotech at a formative stage, contributing to the development of breakthrough therapies with the potential to transform outcomes in cancer and neurodegenerative disease.