---
title: 'CEO (Gene Therapy) XtRNA at NLC Health Ventures'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/ceo-gene-therapy-xtrna-nlc-health-ventures-nijmegen-the-p4ky3g3qvnks'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# CEO (Gene Therapy) XtRNA at NLC Health Ventures

- **Company:** NLC Health Ventures
- **Location:** Nijmegen the, Netherlands
- **Posted:** 2025-11-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/nlcventures/jobs/7517419003

## Job description

CEO (Gene Therapy) XtRNA

Location: Netherlands preferred, Europe-based with regular travel to Nijmegen Commitment: ~80% (approximately) Compensation: Primarily equity-based, modest base salary until fundraising Seniority: Founder/ leadership

## About the Venture (XtRNA Bio)

XtRNA Bio is a pioneering biotechnology company redefining how we treat rare genetic diseases through transfer RNA (tRNA) therapeutics. Originating from groundbreaking research at Radboud University and founded in collaboration with NLC Health Ventures, XtRNA Bio is translating cutting-edge RNA biology into a new class of medicines that repair disease at its molecular root.

The lead program targets Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2D (CMT2D), a severe neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the GARS1 gene. These mutations interfere with how motor neurons use tRNAs to make essential proteins, leading to progressive nerve damage. XtRNA Bio’s AAV-mediated tRNA therapy restores normal protein synthesis, directly addressing the underlying cause of disease. Preclinical studies have demonstrated strong proof of concept, showing potential to halt or even reverse neurodegeneration.

While CMT2D is the initial focus, the tRNA platform has broad potential. Through two complementary approaches, elevating disease-relevant tRNAs and engineering suppressor tRNAs for nonsense mutations, it can target a wide range of genetic diseases caused by translational errors. This dual-modality approach places us among a select few companies globally advancing tRNA as a therapeutic modality.

Supported by non-dilutive funding from the CMT Research Foundation and collaborations with world-leading scientists in the Netherlands and Germany, XtRNA Bio is now advancing toward IND-enabling studies. With strong science, early validation, and a mission-driven culture, XtRNA is building a biotech platform poised to transform RNA medicine, and bring new hope to patients with currently untreatable genetic diseases.

Purpose of the Role

The CEO of XtRNA Bio will lead the company’s mission to transform advanced RNA science into therapies for rare genetic diseases. You will guide the venture from research to clinical development, shape its strategy, and drive the fundraising needed to achieve key milestones.

This role calls for a leader who can unite scientific vision with business execution. You will inspire a high-performing team, build strategic partnerships, attract investors, and position XtRNA Bio as a pioneering force in RNA medicine.

## Responsibilities (XtRNA Bio)

As CEO of XtRNA Bio, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance our pioneering tRNA therapeutic platform from research toward clinical development. Key responsibilities include:

- Lead the company’s overall strategy, growth, and fundraising, securing seed and Series A investment
- Drive the scientific and clinical roadmap in collaboration with the CSO toward IND readiness for the CMT2D program while expanding the broader tRNA platform
- Build and inspire a multidisciplinary team that combines scientific excellence with entrepreneurial focus
- Establish strong partnerships with investors, academic collaborators, pharmaceutical partners, and patient foundations
- Represent XtRNA Bio externally, communicating our vision, progress, and potential to the biotech and investment communities

This role calls for a leader who can unite scientific insight, strategic execution, and purpose-driven leadership to position XtRNA Bio at the forefront of RNA-based medicine.

## Requirements (XtRNA Bio)

To succeed as CEO of XtRNA Bio, you will bring a rare combination of scientific understanding, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurial drive.

## Qualifications

- Advanced degree (PhD or MD) in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field; business training (MBA or equivalent) is an advantage
- Proven experience in leading or scaling biotech or pharmaceutical ventures (ideally within RNA therapeutics, gene therapy, or rare disease)
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, including venture capital and strategic partnerships
- Proven track record in strategic transactions, including co-development partnerships, M&A, or successful exits with biotech or pharmaceutical companies.
- Track record of translating early-stage scientific innovation into clinical development and tangible company value
- Strong scientific understanding of delivery technologies such as AAV capsids or related gene therapies and RNA biology and genetic disease mechanisms
- Familiarity with regulatory pathways, translational medicine, and early clinical development for rare diseases
- Entrepreneurial, hands-on, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-growth environment

If you are driven by the opportunity to transform pioneering RNA science into therapies that change lives, we invite you to shape the future of XtRNA Bio with us.

## About NLC

NLC Health Ventures is a leading healthtech and biotech innovation platform based in Amsterdam, combining venture building and fund management across Europe and North America. With 40-45 employees, NLC manages four captive funds investing in ventures from pre-seed to Series B-C, and is fundraising for a fifth fund. The funds have a diverse LP base and are invested in over 70 companies. NLC values a collaborative, open, and impact-driven culture, where team members’ ideas and contributions truly matter.

## About NLC Health Ventures

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: NLC Health Ventures is a world-leading healthtech venture builder and early-stage investor that finds, builds, and scales transformative health technologies to bring scientific discoveries to patients.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Venture Builder & Investor)
- **Headquarters**: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- **Founded**: 2014
- **Founders**: Not publicly available

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Healthtech Venture Building & Early-Stage Investment; Therapeutics; Medtech (Orthopedics & Spine, Cardiovascular & IGT); New Markets (neonatal, respiratory, enterprise hospital software)
- **Target customers**: B2B; scientific founders, academic institutions, healthcare systems, and patients
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "To transform patients' lives by bringing groundbreaking scientific discoveries to life" and "to bring science to life by bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and market-ready solutions that transform patients’ lives."

## Products & Services
- **Venture Building**: NLC identifies scientific inventions and builds them into standalone healthtech ventures, providing operational, strategic, and funding support from concept to market.
- **Early-Stage Investment**: NLC manages captive funds and has raised over €190M+ for its portfolio ventures, investing across therapeutics, medtech, and new market technologies.
- **Portfolio Ventures**: NLC has built 110+ ventures, including XtRNA Bio (tRNA biotherapeutics for rare genetic diseases) and ROB'E (robotic endoscopy), among others.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private venture builder)
- **Key Metric**: Over €190M+ raised by NLC ventures; 110+ ventures built; 2M+ patients impacted; 1500+ technologies assessed annually
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not publicly listed, but NLC is a certified B Corporation and part of its community of leaders. The company has 4 captive funds.
- **Growth Signals**: 40+ healthcare experts on staff, supported by over 1,000 experts globally; 110+ ventures built; 2M+ patients impacted; active hiring for senior leadership roles (CEO, CTO, Scientific Director) across portfolio companies.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Proprietary Venture-Building Model**: NLC’s unique approach uses data and learnings to systematically find inventions and create ventures at scale, bridging the gap between academic science and market-ready solutions.
- **Deep Healthcare Expertise**: A team of 40+ healthcare, finance, and business professionals, supported by 1,500+ global experts, provides unparalleled domain knowledge in therapeutics, medtech, and new markets.
- **Certified B Corporation**: Commitment to using business as a force for good, driving a global movement of leaders focused on impact.
- **Proven Track Record**: 110+ ventures built, €190M+ raised, and 2M+ patients impacted, demonstrating a repeatable model for success.

## Strategic Focus
- **Current priorities**: Expanding its portfolio across therapeutics (gene therapy, tRNA biotherapeutics), medtech (robotic endoscopy, orthopedics, cardiovascular), and new markets (neonatal, respiratory, enterprise hospital software). Actively hiring for senior leadership roles (CEO, CTO, Scientific Director) to scale portfolio companies toward first-in-human studies and market entry.
- **Direction for growth**: Deepening its platform-based approach (e.g., tRNA therapeutics for rare diseases) and expanding into new therapeutic modalities and delivery systems (AAV, LNP). Scaling ventures from preclinical to IND-enabling studies and clinical readiness.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: NLC emphasizes a culture of openness, transparency, and impact over titles. Core values include being open, optimistic, together, and decisive. The company is a certified B Corporation, committed to using business as a force for good.
- **Hybrid Working Model**: NLC offers a flexible hybrid working model, balancing office time and remote work. Many roles are remote-first (preferred Europe), with some requiring travel to partner sites.
- **Compensation & Benefits**: Staff Participation Plan (SPP) and Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) allow employees to share in the company's success. Yearly learning and development budget. Unlimited/unrecorded holidays. Primarily equity-based compensation for early-stage venture roles, with a modest base salary until fundraising.
- **Culture**: Values include openness, optimism, collaboration ("Together"), and decisiveness. The company prioritizes impact over titles and fosters a transparent, innovative environment. Certified B Corporation.
- **Team**: 40+ healthcare, finance, and business professionals, supported by over 1,000 experts worldwide. 144 total employees (as per Built In).
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: Committed to being an equal opportunity employer; believes diversity drives innovation.

## Sources
1. [nlc.health](https://www.nlc.health/)
2. [nlc.health/careers](https://www.nlc.health/careers)
3. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/nlcventures/jobs/7731781003)
4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/nlcventures/jobs/7731839003)
5. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/nlc-health-ventures)

## Other roles at NLC Health Ventures

- [CEO | Occlunova](https://feeny.ai/job/ceo-occlunova-nlc-health-ventures-minnesota-f8ps8n4g8c56) — Minnesota, United States
- [Investment Director](https://feeny.ai/job/investment-director-nlc-health-ventures-amsterdam-5686s8e1kkay) — Amsterdam, Netherlands
- [Capital Acquisition Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/capital-acquisition-manager-nlc-health-ventures-amsterdam-1nar4hpxd8pt) — Amsterdam, Netherlands
- [CEO | Persuasive](https://feeny.ai/job/ceo-persuasive-nlc-health-ventures-utrecht-83r3ffmkg6p6) — Utrecht, Canada
- [Head of Product and Strategy | ROB'E](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-product-and-strategy-rob-e-nlc-health-ventures-hamburg-yz48avadr4g8) — Hamburg, Germany