Axcend is an exciting early-stage company with demonstrated market traction, changing the Life Science industry with our innovative High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology. Our patented implementation of microflow liquid chromatography delivers dramatic improvements in compact design, portability, ease of operation, remarkable solvent and waste reduction, trace-level PAT inline process and sensitivity, for unparalleled performance. Markets include life science biopharma, drug discovery, precision medicine, biotech, DoD, radiopharmaceutical, chem/petrochem, oil/gas, academia, and more.
We are seeking a dynamic, visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead Axcend through its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a differentiated analytical instrumentation company with strong IP, proven product-market fit, and significant headway for global expansion. The ideal candidate combines deep life science or analytical instrumentation industry knowledge with a track record of scaling companies from early stage through successful exit.
What Will You Do?
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will set and execute the company's strategic vision, drive revenue growth, build a world-class team, and position Axcend for long-term value creation.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Define and communicate a compelling long-term vision and strategic plan that positions Axcend as a category leader in compact, sustainable HPLC technology
- Identify and prioritize high-growth market segments — including biopharma, drug discovery, precision medicine, PAT, and defense — and align resources accordingly
- Monitor competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and industry trends to inform product roadmap and go-to-market strategy
Commercial Growth & Market Expansion
- Drive aggressive revenue growth by scaling the commercial organization across domestic and international markets
- Champion Axcend's disruptive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model and sustainability value proposition ("Green HPLC") to global biopharma and industrial clients
- Build and nurture strategic partnerships, OEM relationships, and channel alliances to accelerate market penetration
- Represent Axcend at major industry conferences, trade shows, and with key accounts
Fundraising, Financial Stewardship & Path to Exit
- Co-lead future fundraising efforts, including venture capital, strategic investment, and/or debt financing rounds
- Manage P&L with discipline, balancing growth investment against capital efficiency
- Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, board members, and financial partners
- Develop and execute a long-term value-creation strategy with an eye toward a successful liquidity event, whether through acquisition, IPO, or strategic recapitalization
Team Building & Organizational Development
- Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier talent across all functions — sales, R&D, operations, marketing, and finance
- Foster a high-performance, mission-driven culture rooted in Axcend's core values: integrity, passion, boldness, respect, humility, ownership, and fun
- Establish scalable processes, systems, and organizational structures to support rapid growth
Operations & Execution
- Oversee all company operations, ensuring product quality, supply chain reliability, and customer success
- Coordinate cross-functional execution between sales, field application scientists, service, and R&D teams
- Ensure regulatory compliance and IP protection across all markets
Qualifications & Requirements
Required
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in life sciences, analytical instrumentation, or a closely related industry, with at least 5 years in a C-suite or GM role
- Demonstrated success scaling a capital equipment or instrumentation business from early/growth stage through a significant revenue inflection point and into sustained commercial traction
- Direct experience with capital raising — ideally having led or co-led one or more funding rounds totaling $20M+
- Experience operating at both large, established organizations (providing process discipline and enterprise relationships) and smaller, high-growth companies (providing scrappiness and speed)
- Deep understanding of the HPLC, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or broader analytical instrumentation market
- Strong commercial instinct with a track record of building and leading high-performing sales and go-to-market teams
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MS, PhD, or MBA) preferred. A technical education in life sciences, chemistry, or engineering is a plus
Preferred
- Existing relationships within the global biopharma, biotech, and life science research communities
- Experience with Process Analytical Technology (PAT), inline/atline monitoring, or sustainability-driven instrumentation sales
- Familiarity with drug discovery, precision medicine, DoD, radiopharmaceutical, or energy sector applications
- Track record of at least one successful exit (acquisition or IPO) as a senior leader or CEO
Personal Attributes
- Visionary yet execution-oriented — equally comfortable setting strategy and rolling up sleeves
- Exceptional communicator who can inspire teams, engage boards, and close enterprise deals
- Resilient, adaptable, and energized by the pace and ambiguity of a high-growth startup environment
- High integrity, intellectual curiosity, and genuine passion for innovation in science and sustainability
Benefits & Culture
Our culture is a direct representation of our core values:
- Do it with integrity
- Bring passion
- Be bold
- Be respectful
- Show humility
- Take ownership
- Have fun
We highly value our team members and offer:
- Significant equity ownership
- Flexible PTO
- 401K program
- Family, medical, and caregiver leave
- Excellent vision, dental, and health benefits
We value diversity and always consider candidates based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.