Chief Operations Officer - Veltist
80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term
At Veltist - a Wyss Zurich project - we are reshaping post-operative care through our platform technology Anastoseal, enabling the next generation of implantable biomaterials for sealing, healing, and integration with human tissue.
Project Background
Veltist is a pioneering MedTech spin-off from the ETH Domain (ETH Zurich and Empa), currently part of the Wyss Zurich Translational Center's Portfolio Projects. We are an in-foundation startup, building upon a multi-year research and development program focused on a novel class of surgical materials.
With a strong foundation in translational science, we are now entering a phase of accelerated growth, focused on:
- Advancing our technology toward first-in-human clinical trials,
- Expanding our technical capabilities, and
- Building a team that thrives on ownership, rigor, and impact.
We work closely with leading surgeons, clinicians, and regulatory experts to ensure our innovations are not only technically sound but clinically transformative. Joining Veltist means becoming part of a mission-oriented, interdisciplinary group that believes in science with purpose, and in the power of great teams to drive real change in the world of healthcare.
Job Description
Manufacturing & Technical Operations
- Implement an agile, ISO 13485-compliant cleanroom and manufacturing process.
- Oversee the fusion of quality and manufacturing into a coherent execution structure.
- Lead the implementation of analytical processes and infrastructure.
- Provide ideas and solutions to reach milestones as efficiently and as early as possible.
Regulatory & Quality Leadership
- Coordinate the building and maintaining of a fit-for-purpose QMS aligned with MDR and FDA Class III device expectations.
- Coordinate and track toxicology, verification & validation, and regulatory documentation.
- Work closely with the CEO, the R&D team, and external consultants to time regulatory steps smartly.
Strategic & Commercial Readiness
- Identify potential commercial or strategic partners for sub-products and the platform.
- Contribute to or lead discussions with medtech industry BD teams.
- Identify new opportunities based on Veltist's platform and create business plans on how to effectively capitalize on them with the CEO.
Team Operations & Execution
- Help recruit and establish a cutting-edge team to reach the goals set across manufacturing, QA, and R&D.
- Implement milestone tracking across teams.
- Help bring agility and robustness to company operations.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated individual interested in venturing into a rewarding journey: bringing life-saving technology to market while stepping into a deeper and more impactful role in medtech.
You are someone who is:
- Driven by humility, motivation, and meaningful hard work.
- Passionate about smart goal-oriented planning and strategy.
- Excited to shape the culture of a young company into something that feels like a family.
- Longing to work on something truly impactful and to reach the next level in your career – one where you influence the full lifecycle of medical innovation.
You are likely someone who:
- Has 10+ years of experience leading medtech companies or successful medical device (or related) startups, specifically in operations and/or technology development.
- Has worked on implantable devices or surgical materials (understanding and experience in abdominal care is a plus).
- Possesses deep regulatory knowledge across MDR and FDA pathways.
- Brings strong medtech industry connections and understands how strategic players think and evaluate technology.
- Has been involved in licensing or M&A and can assess readiness from both technical and strategic sides.
- Knows how to work fast and efficiently within a regulated framework.
- Is hands-on and has led diverse teams with emotional intelligence and tactical clarity.
Education & Experience
- A higher education or university degree in a relevant field is required.
- A PhD in a relevant field, especially in engineering, natural sciences, economics, or other relevant fields is a strong plus.
- An MBA or equivalent business management education from a reputable institution is an asset.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in medical devices.
Workplace
We offer:
- Salary package based on experience and fit.
- Equity participation (ESOP) based on contribution and seniority.
- A clear leadership growth path within a high-impact, fast-evolving startup.
- Access to exceptional resources across ETH Zurich, Wyss Zurich, Empa, and clinical networks.
- Additional benefits per ETH Zurich employee policies.
We Value Diversity
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.
Curious? So Are We.
Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences enrich our team and are fundamental to solving complex challenges in healthcare.
Apply online using the form below.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Further information about Veltist can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Alexandre Anthis at aanthis@ethz.ch (no applications).
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.