What is a Fractional CRO (Chief Research Officer)?
A Fractional Chief Research Officer is an experienced R&D executive who works part-time across multiple organisations, providing scientific research leadership, grant funding strategy, and IP commercialisation expertise for research-intensive companies.
The Fractional CRO Role
Fractional CROs typically work 1-3 days per week, providing senior research leadership for biotech, pharma, deep-tech, and academic spin-outs that need R&D direction without a full-time research executive at £250-400k.
Key CRO Responsibilities
R&D Strategy: Research programme prioritisation and milestone planning
Funding: UKRI, Innovate UK, and Horizon Europe grant applications
IP Strategy: Patent prosecution, portfolio management, and licensing
Regulatory Affairs: MHRA, EMA, and FDA interaction strategy
Scientific Advisory: SAB leadership and governance
Who Needs a Fractional CRO?
Biotech and pharma companies at pre-clinical or early clinical stages
University spin-outs commercialising research IP
Deep-tech companies needing R&D governance and strategy
Companies applying for Innovate UK or research council funding
