Pioneering RNA-based science to target the root cause of rare genetic neurological diseases
VO659: The first clinical candidate directly targeting the CAG repeat expansion – the mutation that causes all polyglutamine diseases
About Us
Unlocking New Possibilities with Precision Genetic Targeting
At Vico Therapeutics, we’re pioneering targeted treatments for devastating neurological disorders. Our innovative antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) platform applies precision chemistry to target the source of these diseases, while carefully preserving essential protein function.
This precision approach brings new hope to patients with Huntington’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxias, conditions that have long awaited effective therapies.
Our Science
VO659: One Target, Multiple Neurodegenerative Diseases
VO659 is an ASO that directly targets the CAG repeat expansion and reduces mutant protein in an allele preferential manner.
Targets the Root Cause of Polyglutamine Diseases
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a group of devastating neurological disorders that are caused by a mutation producing a CAG repeat expansion. This mutation causes the formation of toxic protein believed to result in disease. VO659 is designed to bind directly to the CAG repeats, sterically block translation and reduce the mutant protein.
A Pipeline-In-A-Drug
The CAG repeat expansion causes nine polyQ diseases, including Huntington’s disease and various forms of spinocerebellar ataxia. By focusing on this common mutation, VO659 has the potential to address multiple polyQ disorders with a single therapy.
Precision Through
Allele-Preferential Targeting
VO659 employs an innovative allele-preferential approach. This precision targeting allows us to reduce the mutant protein while preserving essential normal gene function - a crucial advancement in treating these complex disorders.
Pipeline
We are dedicated to advancing innovative therapies with a focused pipeline of potential first-in-class investigational medicines. These are meticulously designed to address critical needs within Huntington’s disease, SCA1, SCA3, Rett syndrome and familial Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to transform patient outcomes.









Team
Leadership

Micah Mackison
Chief Executive Officer

Nicole Datson, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer

Scott Schobel, MD
Chief Medical Officer

Prarthana Khanna, PhD
Vice President, Corporate Business Development and Strategy
Team
Board of Directors

Luc Dochez, PhD
(Chair and Founder)
Droia Ventures

Martijn Kleijwegt
EQT Life Sciences

Felice Verduyn-Van Weegen
EQT Life Sciences

Remi Droller
Kurma Partners

Jeroen Vangindertael, PhD
Ackermans & van Haaren

Amy Schulman
Polaris Partners

Klaus Breiner, PhD
Pureos Bioventures

Josh Mandel-Brehm
(Co-Founder)
CAMP4 Therapeutics

Anders Hinsby, PhD
(Independent)
Muna Therapeutics

Micah Mackison
CEO, Vico Therapeutics

Catello Somma
(Board Observer)
Seroba Life Sciences
Careers
VICO’s team of skilled scientist and drug developers are focused on our mission to bring RNA modulating therapies to patients with genetic neurological disorders. Patients are at the center of this mission and they are depending on innovative therapies like ours to help change their lives.
Please join us in our efforts to bring much needed therapies to these patients and their families.
Careers Opportunities
“Bringing knowledge, experience and science together to discover, develop and deliver therapies for CNS disorders”
Are you a proactive positive team player with a flexible mindset, who communicates easily with many different people, and has a passion for contributing to the development of medicines for rare CNS disorders? Then this might be the perfect job for you!
About Us
Vico Therapeutics is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company developing antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) RNA modulating therapies for patients with severe neurological diseases. Our lead product candidate, VO659, is currently in Phase 1/2a clinical development for the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia types 1 and 3 and Huntington’s disease and is the only ASO in the clinic that targets the underlying CAG repeat expansions that cause all nine known polyglutamine diseases. Vico’s research platform designs fit-for-purpose ASOs by applying precision chemistry with mechanisms of action ideally suited to target genetic neurological diseases.
We are a fast-growing company in the scale-up phase, building a world-class organization grounded in science, innovation, and purpose. Our collegial and mission-driven culture is one of our strongest assets – and we’re committed to preserving it as we grow (www.vicotx.com).
To support our rapid expansion and professionalization, we are looking for an experienced, strategic, and pragmatic Senior HR Business Partner (Sr. HRBP) who is willing to roll-up their sleeves to join our HR team.
About the Role
The Sr. HRBP will act as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to leadership across the organization. In this role, you will help shape and implement our people strategy during a critical phase of growth and transformation. You’ll be instrumental in supporting leaders — especially scientists transitioning into people leadership roles — and strengthening our culture as we scale.
You will lead initiatives to optimize core HR processes, further professionalize our organization, develop and implement leadership development initiatives, compensation and rewards policies, and guide the organization through change. You will also manage the colleague responsible for the HR Operations. You bring a strong background in biotech/pharma, combined with a ‘roll-up your sleeves’ mentality and affinity to manage a small team. You also have experience with working with a US entity, and building scalable, future-proof HR practices.
Your key responsibilities and tasks will include, but are not restricted to, the following:
- HR Partnership
Act as a trusted advisor to our managers – particularly within R&D and scientific functions – supporting them in leading their teams effectively through periods of growth and change.
- Lead HR Operations
Manage the colleague who is responsible for the HR Operations. - Leadership Development
Design and deliver initiatives to build core leadership capabilities, especially for first-time people managers and scientific leaders with limited prior experience. - HR Process Optimization
Assess, structure, and improve key HR processes and systems in preparation for organizational growth and international expansion. - Change Management
Lead and support change initiatives across the organization, ensuring alignment with our evolving business needs while preserving and nurturing our strong company culture. - Culture & Engagement
Act as a culture ambassador, ensuring that as we scale, we remain true to our core values of collegiality, collaboration, and scientific integrity.
What you’ll bring:
We’re looking for someone who not only meets the criteria below but thrives in an environment where initiative, learning, and partnership matter.
- 8–10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in an HRBP or equivalent advisory role.
- Proven experience in fast-paced, high-growth settings – ideally within biotech or pharma.
- Experience designing and implementing HR structures, policies, and compensation frameworks in an international environment.
- Demonstrated success in leadership development, coaching, and change management.
- Deep understanding of the challenges scientists face in transitioning to leadership roles – and how to support them.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- A collaborative, hands-on, and culturally sensitive approach.
How you’ll make an impact
In this role, you’ll shape and deliver people strategies that support our rapid growth and IPO-readiness. While the HR Director provides overall strategic direction, you’ll bring that strategy to life – translating it into practical, team-level solutions that work in the day-to-day reality of a scaling biotech environment. You’ll partner closely with leaders across the organization, guiding them through change with empathy and structure. Supporting scientific leaders as they grow into people management will be a key part of your impact – offering tailored coaching and practical advice. With a strong sense of ownership, you’ll drive and optimize HR processes that scale with the business, always with a pragmatic approach. You’ll play an active role in preserving and evolving our culture, promoting collaboration, inclusion, and scientific integrity. This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, stays grounded under pressure, and brings a high level of professionalism, integrity, and trust – while also being hands-on and action-oriented when it comes to getting things done.
Why join us?
- Be part of an ambitious biotech on the cusp of a major clinical and corporate milestone.
- Help shape the HR foundation of a company preparing for its next chapter.
- Competitive salary, including holiday allowance, performance bonus and good pension scheme.
- Collaborate with a brilliant, friendly, and purpose-driven team.
- Make a lasting impact on science – and the people behind it.
- Several social activities and drinks
We offer you the opportunity to contribute to the development of medicines for rare CNS disorders. Our growing team is committed to bringing new therapeutics to those patients who need it. The company atmosphere is pleasant and informal, contributing to a particularly friendly working environment. If you're energized by building, growing, and making a lasting impact – we’d love to receive your application which you can mail to Yessica.debrouwer@vicotx.com
Are you a proactive positive team player with a flexible mindset, who communicates easily with many different people, and has a passion for contributing to the development of medicines for rare CNS disorders?
Then this might be the perfect job for you!
VICO Therapeutics B.V. is a global Leiden-based biotech company with a focus on developing innovative antisense oligonucleotide therapies for rare neurological disorders (www.vicotx.com).
Our growing team is committed to bringing new therapeutics to those patients who need it most. The company atmosphere is pleasant and informal, contributing to a particularly friendly working environment.
We are currently recruiting for a
Manager CMC
Your key responsibilities and tasks will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Overseeing and executing the stability study strategy and coordination
- Coordinating shipments and inventory management
- Leading analytical vendor management
- Supporting the Director Analytical Chemistry with all analytical related activities
- Supporting the Director CMC with general, day-to-day, CMC activities
Preferred profile:
- MSc or PhD in analytical chemistry
- Minimal three years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in a CMC role
- Experience with working in multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience with stability studies and/or writing of regulatory documents
- Proactive team player who communicates easily and builds relationships
- Problem-solving and flexible mindset
- Fluent in English (both verbal and written)
- Quality/GMP oriented
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary, including holiday allowance
- Performance bonus
- Possibility for hybrid working with at least 3 days at the office
- Good pension scheme
- Travel allowance and work-from-home allowance
- Laptop
- Several social activities and drinks
Does this job description sounds appealing to you?
You can mail your resume and motivation letter to Yessica.debrouwer@vicotx.com
We look forward to receiving your application!
Are you a proactive positive team player with a flexible mindset, who communicates easily with many different people, and has a passion for contributing to the development of medicines for rare CNS disorders?
Then this might be the perfect job for you!
VICO Therapeutics B.V. is a global Leiden-based biotech company with a focus on developing innovative antisense oligonucleotide therapies for rare neurological disorders (www.vicotx.com).
Preferred profile:
- A PhD in synthetic organic chemistry (mandatory)
- Understanding of the IP and regulatory landscape around oligonucleotide therapeutics (mandatory)
- A proven track record of leading innovative oligonucleotide discovery and/or oligonucleotide delivery projects (mandatory)
- 10+ years of experience in industry and oligonucleotide drug product development. Experience with conjugation chemistry is a big plus!
- Deep understanding of modern methods in synthetic chemistry with an emphasis on nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotide synthesis, and oligonucleotide conjugation chemistries
- Strong track record of publications and/or patent applications in your area of expertise
- Highly proficient in both spoken and written English
- Excellent interpersonal communication and leadership skills
- Excellent at complex project management
- Inspiring and motivating for teams that deal with a high sense of adaptability in an up-scale work environment
Key responsibilities:
- Provide scientific direction, strategy and leadership for novel oligonucleotide chemistry, discovery and formulation as a core component of VICO’s discovery platform
- Identify new strategies or technologies, for pursuing novel targeting, synthesis and/or delivery of oligonucleotides
- Develop and contribute to VICO’s intellectual property portfolio
- Directly supervise and manage VICO’s chemistry group, providing opportunities, visibility, and challenge to develop all group members
- Oversee management of priorities, timelines, resourcing, and budget planning
- Provide meaningful contributions to the development of organizational culture and capabilities
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary
- Performance bonusGood pension scheme
- Travel allowance and work-from-home allowance
- Several social activities and drinks
We offer you the opportunity to contribute to the development of medicines for rare CNS disorders.
Our growing team is committed to bringing new therapeutics to those patients who need it most.
The company atmosphere is very pleasant and informal, contributing to a particularly friendly working environment.
Does this description sounds appealing to you? You can mail your resume and motivation letter to Yessica.debrouwer@vicotx.com
We look forward to receiving your application!
Interested?
If you are interested in joining our mission to continuously discover, develop and deliver therapies then please send your full resume and application to Loading email… or submit it via the contact form.