Do you work with early-stage biotechs?

Absolutely. A significant portion of our work is with seed-stage to Series B biotechs who need experienced leadership but cannot yet afford full-time C-suite executives. Our fractional model is particularly popular with VC-backed biotechs who need CSO or CEO-level input to guide scientific strategy and support fundraising without the full-time cost.

What is a fractional CSO and why would we need one?

A fractional Chief Scientific Officer is an experienced scientific leader who works with your company on a part-time basis (typically 1-3 days per week). They are ideal for biotechs that need strategic scientific direction, investor credibility, and research leadership but are not at the stage to hire a full-time CSO at £250-350k plus equity. Our fractional CSOs typically have 20+ years experience including roles at major pharma or successful biotech exits.

How do you assess scientific leadership candidates?

Our team includes consultants with PhDs and industry experience who can evaluate scientific credibility, publication records, and technical depth. We assess both the hard science and leadership capabilities, understanding that great scientists do not always make great leaders. We reference check thoroughly within our extensive life sciences network.

What therapeutic areas do you cover?

Our network spans all major therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, CNS, rare disease, and cardiovascular. We have particular depth in emerging areas like cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, and AI-driven drug discovery where leadership talent is especially scarce.

Can you help with investor introductions as well as recruitment?

While our core business is executive recruitment, our deep network in the life sciences ecosystem means we often make connections beyond the immediate brief. We can introduce you to relevant VCs, strategic partners, and advisors through our network, though we do not charge for introductions outside our recruitment services.

Do you work with early-stage biotechs?

Absolutely. A significant portion of our work is with seed-stage to Series B biotechs who need experienced leadership but cannot yet afford full-time C-suite executives. Our fractional model is particularly popular with VC-backed biotechs who need CSO or CEO-level input to guide scientific strategy and support fundraising without the full-time cost.

What is a fractional CSO and why would we need one?

A fractional Chief Scientific Officer is an experienced scientific leader who works with your company on a part-time basis (typically 1-3 days per week). They are ideal for biotechs that need strategic scientific direction, investor credibility, and research leadership but are not at the stage to hire a full-time CSO at £250-350k plus equity. Our fractional CSOs typically have 20+ years experience including roles at major pharma or successful biotech exits.

How do you assess scientific leadership candidates?

Our team includes consultants with PhDs and industry experience who can evaluate scientific credibility, publication records, and technical depth. We assess both the hard science and leadership capabilities, understanding that great scientists do not always make great leaders. We reference check thoroughly within our extensive life sciences network.

What therapeutic areas do you cover?

Our network spans all major therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, CNS, rare disease, and cardiovascular. We have particular depth in emerging areas like cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, and AI-driven drug discovery where leadership talent is especially scarce.

Can you help with investor introductions as well as recruitment?

While our core business is executive recruitment, our deep network in the life sciences ecosystem means we often make connections beyond the immediate brief. We can introduce you to relevant VCs, strategic partners, and advisors through our network, though we do not charge for introductions outside our recruitment services.

Biotech & Pharma Experts

Life Sciences Recruitment Specialists

Connect with world-class biotech, pharma, and medtech leaders. Our life sciences recruitment expertise spans early-stage biotechs to global life sciences corporations.

£800-2,000

Day Rate

2-6 weeks

Time to Hire

50-70%

Cost Savings

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📖1 min read

📅Updated 30 Jan 2026

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£800-1500

Day Rate

📅

1-3

Days/Week

💰

50-70%

Cost Savings

🎯

500+

UK Placements

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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

Latest Fractional Jobs

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Work Type

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The UK life sciences sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by government investment, world-leading research institutions, and a thriving biotech ecosystem. Finding leaders who can translate scientific innovation into commercial success requires recruiters who understand the unique dynamics of biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and medical technology. Our life sciences recruitment team combines scientific literacy with executive search expertise to connect you with transformational leaders.

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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%

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

A life sciences recruitment agency specialises in finding talent for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and related healthcare companies. Unlike generalist recruiters, life sciences specialists understand scientific terminology, regulatory requirements, and the unique challenges of bringing therapeutics and medical products to market. We focus specifically on senior leadership and executive roles where deep sector knowledge is essential.