Fractional Chief Scientific Officer

Company Description Altevere is a fractional executive advisory firm. We work with Canadian and European small and medium-sized companies that require strategic guidance but are not yet ready for full-time C-suite hires. The firm specializes in offering CEOs, COO, and business developmemt expertise on a part-time basis, typically 3 to 5 days per month, providing embedded leadership at a fraction of full-time cost. Clients benefit from a single point of contact and an accountable provider while accessing a bench of seasoned executives as needed. Headquartered in Ottawa, Altevere has strong regional presence across Ontario, Atlantic Canada and the UK and is actively expanding into underserved markets such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The organization focuses on flexible, impact-driven leadership engagements tailored to the needs of growing businesses.
Role Description The Fractional Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) will serve as a strategic scientific leader for one or more client organizations, providing expert guidance on research, innovation, and technology development. This is a contract, remote role, typically involving a limited number of days per month, focused on shaping scientific strategy, validating technical roadmaps, and aligning research priorities with business objectives. Day-to-day responsibilities may include reviewing and advising on R&D portfolios, overseeing scientific governance processes, and helping establish standards for data integrity, experimental design, and regulatory readiness. The CSO will collaborate with client leadership teams to assess scientific risk, support funding applications and partnerships, and mentor internal science and innovation staff. The role also involves communicating complex scientific concepts to non-technical stakeholders, contributing to long-term innovation planning, and ensuring that scientific initiatives support sustainable growth.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in scientific leadership, such as heading R&D, research programs, or innovation portfolios in industry or applied research settings.
Strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making, with the ability to evaluate and prioritize multiple scientific initiatives.
Proven ability to develop and execute scientific and technology strategies that align with organizational goals and resource constraints.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., product, operations, finance, and regulatory) and translating scientific insights into actionable business recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex scientific information clearly to non-specialist audiences and executive stakeholders.
Track record of working in or with small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, or growth-stage organizations, ideally in a fractional, consulting, or advisory capacity.
Familiarity with relevant regulatory, ethical, and compliance considerations in scientific and technical fields applicable to client industries.
Advanced degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., MSc, PhD, MD, or equivalent) preferred,

Work arrangement
Yes