What does a fractional scientific officer cost?

Day rates typically range from 1200-1800 GBP reflecting specialized expertise.

How do I evaluate scientific officer candidates?

Assess scientific credentials, drug development track record, and regulatory submission experience.

What qualifications matter most?

PhD or MD in relevant field, drug development success, and regulatory approval experience.

How long are typical engagements?

Scientific engagements often run 12-24 months aligned with development milestones.

What does a fractional scientific officer cost?

Day rates typically range from 1200-1800 GBP reflecting specialized expertise.

How do I evaluate scientific officer candidates?

Assess scientific credentials, drug development track record, and regulatory submission experience.

What qualifications matter most?

PhD or MD in relevant field, drug development success, and regulatory approval experience.

How long are typical engagements?

Scientific engagements often run 12-24 months aligned with development milestones.

Hire a Fractional Chief Scientific Officer

Complete guide to hiring fractional scientific leadership

£800-2,000

Day Rate

2-6 weeks

Time to Hire

50-70%

Cost Savings

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Key Takeaways

1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods

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When to Hire a Fractional CSO (Scientific)

Quick Definition

Consider a fractional Chief Scientific Officer when launching R&D programs, preparing for clinical trials, or seeking scientific advisory. Ideal for biotech and pharma companies needing senior scientific expertise.

What to Look For

Evaluate candidates on scientific credentials, drug development experience, regulatory pathway knowledge, and publication record. Look for successful IND submissions and clinical trial oversight.

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria	What to Assess	Red Flags
Scientific Expertise	Domain knowledge and publications	No peer-reviewed work
Drug Development	IND to approval experience	Only preclinical focus
Regulatory	FDA and EMA pathway knowledge	No regulatory submissions
Team Leadership	Scientific team management	Individual contributor only

Interview Questions

Ask about their drug development portfolio, regulatory strategy experience, publication record, and approach to building scientific advisory boards.

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Cost Comparison

Fractional vs Full-Time Executive

Full-Time Executive£286k/year

Salary + Benefits + Overhead

Fractional Executive£106k/year

1-2 days/week average

Your Potential Savings

£180k+

63%

saved

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Time Allocation

How fractional executives spend their time

Strategy30%

Operations25%

Leadership20%

Governance15%

Technology10%

Hire a Fractional CSO (Chief Scientific Officer)

A fractional Chief Scientific Officer provides senior scientific leadership for biotech, pharma, deep-tech, and research-intensive companies needing expert R&D direction without full-time executive costs.

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Why Hire a Fractional CSO?

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Scientific credibility: Experienced scientists who provide board and investor confidence

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Programme direction: Guide clinical trials, research programmes, and regulatory submissions

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IP strategy: Patent portfolio development and commercialisation expertise

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Funding support: Help secure UKRI, Horizon, and venture funding

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What a Fractional CSO Delivers

Deliverable	Timeline
Scientific programme review	Weeks 1-4
R&D strategy & milestone planning	Weeks 4-8
Regulatory strategy & submissions	Weeks 8-16
SAB leadership & governance	Ongoing

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Typical Engagement Models

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Strategic: 1-2 days/week for scientific governance

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Programme: 2-3 days/week for active R&D leadership

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Regulatory: 3-4 days/week during submission periods

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CSO Salary Guide

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Fractional CTO Jobs UK

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CRO Salary Guide

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UK Fractional Jobs

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UK Fractional Executive Day Rates

Compare day rates across C-suite roles

CFOThis Role£800 - £1500/day

£1100

CTO£900 - £1600/day

£1200

CMO£750 - £1400/day

£1000

COO£800 - £1400/day

£1050

CDO£900 - £1450/day

£1150

CISO£900 - £1550/day

£1200

Rate Range

Average

Source: UK Market Data 2025

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Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time

Choose the right engagement model

Aspect	Fractional	Interim	Full-Time
Time Commitment	1-3 days/week	4-5 days/week	5 days/week
Duration	Ongoing/flexible	3-12 months	Permanent
Annual Cost	£50-150k	£150-300k	£200-400k+
Best For	SMEs, startups, scale-ups	Crisis, transitions	Large enterprises
Flexibility	★★★ High	★★☆ Medium	★☆☆ Low

Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.

Calculate Your Day Rate

Fractional CFO Earnings

Calculate Your Potential Income

Your Day Rate

£1,000

£750Avg: £1000£1500

Days Per Client/Week

2.5 days

1 day5 days

Number of Clients

2 clients

Weekly

£5,000

Monthly

£21,650

Annual

£240,000

Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.

BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.

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