Exhibit 10.23

    

    

    Portions of this Exhibit have been redacted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. Information that was omitted has
      been noted in this document with a placeholder identified by the mark “[***]”

     

    EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

    

    

    This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into effective March 14, 2022
      (the “Effective Date”), by and between Gregory Conn, Ph.D. (“Executive”) and PDS Biotechnology Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as an replacement of the Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2019 as Amended on June 17, 2021, by and between the Company and the Executive. Each of the Company and Executive is a “Party”
      and, collectively, they are the “Parties.”  The Company desires to continue to employ Executive and, in connection with such employment, and the Parties wish to enter into this Agreement to govern the terms
      and conditions of the Executive’s continued employment with the Company.

    

    

    Accordingly, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties agree to the following:

    

    

    	1.	
            EMPLOYMENT BY THE COMPANY.

          


    

    

    1.1           At-Will Employment. Executive shall be employed by the Company on an “at
        will” basis, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice; provided, however, that Executive agrees to provide the Company with not less than thirty (30) days
        advance written notice of any resignation, although the Company may waive such notice period in its discretion (except as otherwise set forth in Section 6.4 below).  Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive shall be and are
        hereby superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute the full and complete agreement between Executive and the Company regarding the “at will” nature of Executive’s employment with the Company, which may be changed only in an
        express written agreement signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. Executive’s rights to any compensation following a termination shall be only as set forth in Section 6.

     

    

    1.2            Position. Subject to the terms set forth herein, the Company agrees to
        employ Executive in the position of Chief Scientific Officer. Executive hereby accepts such employment. Executive will report to the Chief Executive Officer and/or such other persons as ay be directed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”). As a full-time salaried, exempt employee, you will be expected to work your normal business hours as required by your job duties and agreed to by the Company.

    

    

     1.3           Duties. Executive shall faithfully perform all duties related to the position or positions held by
        Executive, including but not limited to all duties set forth in this Agreement and/or in the Bylaws, as applicable, of the Company related to the position or positions held by Executive and all additional duties as may be prescribed or directed
        from time to time by the Company or the Board, as the case may be. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time and attention to the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities on behalf of the Company and in furtherance of
        their best interests. Executive shall make such business trips at the Company’s expense to such places as may be necessary for or otherwise directed by the Company.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    1.4           Company Policies. Executive shall comply with all policies, standards, rules,
        and regulations of the Company (a “Company Policy” or collectively, the “Company Policies”) and all applicable government laws, rules, and regulations that are now or
        hereafter in effect. Executive acknowledges receipt of copies of all written Company Policies that are in effect as of the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in
        conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

     

    	2.	
            COMPENSATION.

          


     

    2.1         Salary. The Company shall pay Executive a base salary of $132,000 an annualized
        basis, payable subject to standard federal and state payroll withholding requirements in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Base Salary”).  Executive’s Base Salary may be adjusted
        from time to time by the Company, including any adjustments due to a reduced work schedule, if any.

     

    2.2            Bonus. During the period Executive is employed with the Company, Executive
        shall be eligible for a discretionary annual cash bonus of up to 40% of Base Salary (“Target Amount”) based upon such factors and on such terms and conditions as the Company may consider, subject to review
        and adjustment by the Company in its sole discretion.  Executive shall be eligible for said bonus only if Executive is employed on the last day of the performance period.  Any annual bonus will be paid by March 15th of the year following the year
        in which the applicable performance period ends and Executive will need to be employed by the Company at the time the annual bonus is paid.

     

      

    2.3           Equity Awards. Subject to approval of the Compensation Committee of
      the Board, Executive may be eligible for certain grants of equity awards of Common Stock of the Company, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of the Company equity plan to which the award is granted and an award agreement to be provided
      by the Company and entered into with the Executive.

     

     2.4           Benefits. Executive will be eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated
        employees of the Company in the Company’s benefit plans in effect from time to time during Executive’s employment. All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of
        such plan. The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion.

     

     2.5          Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all customary and appropriate
        business-related expenses actually incurred and documented in accordance with Company Policy, as in effect from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive are subject to the provisions of
        Section 409A of the Code: (a) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (b) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for
        reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (c) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. If under the terms of this Agreement the Executive is entitled to a tax gross-up
        payment, the gross-up payment will be made by December 31 of the year following the year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    	3.	
            PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, INVENTIONS, NON-COMPETITION AND
                  NON-SOLICITATION OBLIGATIONS.

          


    

    

    3.1          Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement.  As a condition of employment and/or
        continued employment with the Company, Executive agrees to execute and abide by a Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit

          A simultaneously with the Executive’s execution of this Agreement.  The Proprietary Information Agreement may be amended by the Parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement. The Proprietary Information Agreement contains
        provisions that are intended by the Parties to survive and do survive termination of this Agreement.

    

    

    3.2          Permissible Communications. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Proprietary Information
        Agreement, Executive acknowledges that nothing in the Confidential Information Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from (a) filing a charge or complaint with, or participating in any proceeding before, a government agency authorized
        to enforce and investigate suspected violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, labor relations laws, occupational health and safety laws, wage and hour laws, and such similar state or local laws; (b) reporting possible violations of federal
        securities laws to the appropriate government enforcing agency and making such other disclosures that are expressly protected under such laws, or (c) responding truthfully to inquiries from, or otherwise cooperating with, any governmental or
        regulatory investigation (the activities set forth in clauses (a) through (c) are collectively referred to as the “Protected Activities”). Executive understands that in connection with such Protected
        Activity, Executive is permitted to disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company; provided, however, that Executive
        agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Proprietary Information under the Proprietary Information Agreement to any parties other than the appropriate government
        agencies. Executive further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications, and that any such disclosure without the Board’s written consent shall constitute a material
        breach of this Agreement.

     

    3.3 Defend Trade Secrets Act. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive acknowledges that Executive will not have criminal or civil liability under any
      Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting
      or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for
      reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive (x) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and
      (y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

    

    

    4.          OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES DURING EMPLOYMENT.
        Except with the prior written consent of the Board, Executive will not, while employed by the Company, undertake or engage in any other employment, occupation, or business enterprise that would interfere with Executive’s responsibilities and the
        performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or otherwise create an actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest with respect to Executive’s employment hereunder, except for (i) reasonable time devoted to volunteer services for or on behalf of
        such religious, educational, non-profit, and/or other charitable organization, (ii) reasonable time devoted to activities in the non-profit community consistent, (iii) advisory or board of director roles set forth on Exhibit B or as
        otherwise approved by the Board in advance in writing, and (v) such other activities as may be specifically approved by the Board in writing. This restriction shall not, however, preclude Executive from owning less than five percent (5%) of the
        total outstanding shares of a publicly traded company, or employment or service in any capacity with any entity within the Company.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    5.           NO CONFLICT WITH EXISTING OBLIGATIONS.
        Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an executive of the Company do not and will not breach or in any way conflict any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment
        by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services, and Executive further warrants and represents that Executive is not subject to any agreement,
        covenant or other restriction that would prohibit, impede or otherwise limit Executive’s ability to perform his duties and obligations hereunder, including without limitation any non-competition or non-solicitation obligations owing to a former
        employer.  Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.

     

    6.           TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. The Parties
        acknowledge that Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will. The provisions in this Section govern the compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter Executive’s status as an
        at-will employee.

     

    6.1 Termination by the Company Without Cause.

    

    

    (a)          The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this
        Section 6.1 at any time without “Cause” (as defined in Section 6.2(b) below) by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement. A termination pursuant to Sections 6.3 and 6.5 below is not a termination without “Cause” for purposes of
        receiving the benefits described in this Section 6.1.

    

    

    (b)          If the Company terminates Executive’s employment at any time without Cause and provided that such termination
        constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1 .409A- 1(h) a “Separation from Service”), then Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (defined
        below) and, subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) below, then Executive shall also be entitled to receive (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”):

     

    (i)          an amount equal to Executive’s then current Base Salary for twelve
        (12) months (the “Severance Period”), less all applicable withholdings and deductions, paid in equal installments beginning on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payroll date following the Release
        Effective Date (as defined in Section 6.1(c) below), with the remaining installments occurring on the Company’s regularly scheduled payroll dates thereafter;

     

      

    
      
        


    

    (ii)           payment of that portion of the premiums required to continue Executive’s group health care coverage under
        the applicable provisions of Title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) that exceeds the active employee rate, provided that Executive timely elects to continue coverage
        under COBRA, until the earliest of (A) the close of the Severance Period, (B) the expiration of Executive’s eligibility for the continuation coverage under COBRA, or (C) the date when Executive becomes eligible for substantially equivalent health
        insurance coverage in connection with new employment (such period from the termination date through the earliest of (A), (B) or (C), the “COBRA Payment Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time
        the Company determines in its sole discretion that the payment of the COBRA premiums would result in a violation of the nondiscrimination rules of Section 105(h)(2) of the Code, or any statute or regulation of similar effect (including but not
        limited to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act), then in lieu of providing the COBRA premiums, the Company will instead pay Executive on the last day of each
        remaining month of the COBRA Payment Period, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the COBRA premiums for that month, subject to applicable tax withholdings for the remainder of the COBRA Payment Period, regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA
        coverage (the “Special Severance Payment”). Executive may, but is not obligated to, use such Special Severance Payment toward the cost of COBRA premiums. If Executive becomes eligible for coverage under
        another employer’s group health plan or otherwise ceases to be eligible for COBRA during the COBRA Payment Period, Executive must immediately notify the Company of such event, and all payments and obligations under this clause will cease.

     

    (c)        Executive will be paid all of the Accrued Obligations on the Company’s first payroll date after Executive’s
        date of termination from employment or earlier if required by law. Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to Section 6.1(b) of this Agreement only if: (i) Executive signs and delivers to the Company an effective, general release of
        claims in favor of the Company and representatives, in a form acceptable to the Company (the “Release”), by the 60th day following the termination date or such earlier date as set forth in the Release, which
        cannot be revoked in whole or part (if applicable) by such date or such earlier date as set forth in the Release (the date that the Release can no longer be revoked is referred to as the “Release Effective Date”);

        (ii) if Executive holds any other positions with the Company, Executive resigns such position(s) to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board); (iii) Executive returns all
        Company property in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information Agreement; (iv) Executive complies and continues to comply with all post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Proprietary Information
        Agreement; and (v) Executive complies with the terms of the Release, including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained in the Release. To the extent that any Severance Benefits are deferred compensation
        under Section 409A of the Code, and are not otherwise exempt from the application of Section 409A, then, if the period during which Executive may consider and sign the Release spans two calendar years, the payment of Severance Benefits will not be
        made or begin until the later calendar year.

     

    (d)          For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations” are (i) Executive’s accrued but unpaid salary through the date of termination, (ii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense
        reimbursement policies, and (iii) benefits owed to Executive under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which Executive was a participant in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    (e)        The Severance Benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this Section 6.1 are in lieu of, and not in addition
        to, any benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled under any Company severance plan, policy or program, and Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive shall have no rights or entitlements
        to any benefits or payments under any such plan, policy or program.

     

    (f)          Any damages caused by the termination of Executive’s employment without Cause would be difficult to
        ascertain; therefore, the Severance Benefits for which Executive is eligible pursuant to Section 6.1(b) above in exchange for the Release is agreed to by the Parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.

     

     6.2 Termination by the Company for Cause.

     

    (a)          Subject to Section 6.2(c) below, the Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment with
        the Company at any time for Cause by giving notice as described in Section 7.1 of this Agreement.

    

    

    (b)         “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s failure, neglect, or refusal to perform Executive’s duties and
      responsibilities under this Agreement  (in each case, except where due to a Disability, sickness or illness); (ii) any act of Executive that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, the effect of injuring the business or reputation of the
      Company; (iii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to: (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company
      or otherwise result in injury to the reputation or business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iv) Executive’s commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement or breach of any fiduciary duty as against the Company; (v) any material violation by
      Executive of the policies of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or business conduct, and those otherwise set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company, as may be amended from time to time;
      (vi) Executive’s violation of federal or state securities laws; or (vii) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or breach of the Proprietary Information Agreement.

     

    (c)        In the event Executive’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Executive will not receive Severance
        Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

    

    

    6.3 Resignation by Executive.

     

    (a)           Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time by giving notice as described in Section 7.1, and
        subject to the advance notice requirement set forth in Section 1.1 above.

    

    

    (b)           In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason (other than a resignation for Good
        Reason as described in Section 6.4 below), Executive will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the
        Accrued Obligations.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    6.4 Resignation by Executive for Good Reason.

     

    (a)           Provided Executive has not previously been notified of the Company’s intention to terminate Executive’s
        employment, Executive may resign from employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6.4(b) below).

    

    

    (b)          “Good Reason” shall mean, without Executive’s written consent, (i) a material diminution in Executive’s
      title, duties, or responsibilities as set forth in Section 3 hereof; (ii) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company (other than a provision that is covered by clause (i)); or (iii) any relocation of Executive’s principal place of
      employment of more than fifty (50) miles (unless Executive currently is working, or is provided the opportunity to work, remotely or otherwise not required to relocate their principal place of employment, in which case this subpart (iii) shall not
      apply); provided, however, that Executive must provide notice of Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the purported Good Reason, after which the Company shall have not less than thirty (30) days to cure
      the alleged Good Reason and, if such remains uncured, Executive must resign from such employment within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the cure period.  In the event that the Company reasonably believes that Executive may have engaged in
      conduct constituting Cause, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend Executive’s duties or employment which shall not constitute a basis for Good Reason hereunder or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by the Company;
      provided, that no such suspension shall alter the Company’s obligations under this Agreement during such period of suspension.

     

    (c)          In the event Executive resigns from Executive’s employment for Good Reason, and provided that such
        termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) above, Executive shall be eligible to receive the same Severance Benefits as described in Section 6.1 and on the same
        terms and conditions set forth in Section 6.1(c) and Section 6.1(e) as if Executive had been terminated by the Company without Cause.

     

    (d)         Any damages caused by the termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason would be difficult to
        ascertain; therefore, the Severance Benefits for which Executive is eligible pursuant to Section 6.1(b) above in exchange for the Release is agreed to by the Parties as liquidated damages, to serve as full compensation, and not a penalty.

     

    6.5 Termination by Virtue of Death or Disability of Executive.

     

    (a)        In the event of Executive’s death while employed pursuant to this Agreement, all obligations of the Parties
        hereunder shall terminate immediately, and the Company shall, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, pay to Executive’s legal representatives all Accrued Obligations.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    (b)          Subject to applicable state and federal law, the Company shall at all times have the right, upon written
        notice to Executive, to terminate this Agreement based on Executive’s Disability. Termination by the Company of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall mean termination because a qualified medical
        doctor mutually acceptable to the Company and Executive or Executive’s personal representative has certified in writing that: (A) Executive is unable, because of a medically determinable physical or mental disability, to perform the essential
        functions of Executive’s job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, for more than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days measured from the last full day of work; or (B) by reason of mental or physical disability, it is unlikely that
        Executive will be able, within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days, to resume the essential functions of Executive’s job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and to otherwise discharge Executive’s duties under this Agreement. This
        definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable law. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated based on Executive’s Disability,
        Executive will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefit, except that, pursuant to the Company’s standard payroll policies, the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Obligations.

    

    

    6.6 Change in Control Benefits. In the event the Company (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive resigns
      for Good Reason within ninety (90) days before and twenty-four (24) months following the effective date of a Change in Control (as defined in the PDS Corporation 2014 Second Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan, as amended by the Company from
      time to time), then Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Obligations and, provided that Executive complies with the obligations in Section 6.1(c) of this Agreement (including the requirement to provide an effective Release), Executive shall be
      eligible to receive the same Severance Benefits as described in Section 6.1(b) and on the same conditions as if Executive had been terminated by the Company without Cause; provided, however, that (a) the
      Executive shall receive a bonus equal to the Target Amount; and (b) in the event that Executive’s outstanding equity as of the closing of such Change in Control is assumed or continued (in accordance with its terms) by the surviving entity in such
      Change in Control, then 100% of the unvested portion of such equity shall become vested.

     

    6.7 Cooperation with Company after Termination of Employment. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees to cooperate (a) with the
      Company in (i) the defense of any legal matter involving any matter that arose during or otherwise related in any way to Executive’s employment with the Company, and (ii) all matters relating to the winding up of Executive’s pending work and the
      orderly transfer of any such pending work to such other employees as may be designated by the Company; (b) with all government authorities on matters pertaining to any investigation, litigation or administrative proceeding pertaining to the Company;
      and (c) such other matters as the Company may reasonably request. Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, and in the event of a failure by Executive (following reasonable efforts by the Company to secure his voluntary
      cooperation) to resign from any position as officer or director of the Company, with such resignation to be effective no later than the date of Executive’s termination date (or such other date as requested by the Board), the Company is hereby
      irrevocably authorized to appoint its then-current Chief Executive Officer to act in Executive’s name and on his behalf to execute any documents and to do all things reasonably necessary to effect such resignation. Further, Executive shall not, at
      any time after termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, represent himself as being an agent or representative of the Company, unless expressly authorized in a written agreement executed by an authorized officer of the Company.

     

    6.9 Application of Section 409A.

     

    

    
      
        


    

    (a)           It is intended that all of the severance payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the
        exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively, “Section 409A”) provided under Treasury
        Regulations Sections 1.409A- 1 (b)(4) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. If not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies
        with Section 409A, and incorporates by reference all required definitions and payment terms.

    

    

    (b)        The preceding provisions shall not be construed as a guarantee by the Company of any particular tax effect to
        Executive under this Agreement. The Company shall not be liable to Executive for any payment made under this Agreement which is determined to result in an additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A, nor for reporting in good faith any
        payment as an amount includible in gross income under Section 409A.

    

    

    (c)         No severance payments will be made under this Agreement unless Executive’s termination of employment
        constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)).

    

    

    (d)          For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section
        1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment
        payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment.

    

    

    (e)         If the Company determines that the severance benefits provided under this Agreement constitutes “deferred
        compensation” under Section 409A and if Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service, then, solely to the extent necessary to
        avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefits will be delayed as follows: on the earlier to occur of (i) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation
        from Service, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such earlier date, the “Delayed Initial Payment Date”), the Company will (1) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the Severance
        Benefits that Executive would otherwise have received through the Delayed Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the Severance Benefits had not been delayed pursuant to this Section 6.8, and (2) commence paying the balance of
        the Severance Benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedule set forth in Section 6.1. No interest shall be due on any amounts deferred pursuant to this Section 6.8.

     

    6.10 Parachute Payments.

     

    (a)        Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that it shall be
        determined that any payment or distribution to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”)
        would be nondeductible by the Company for Federal income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code, the Company shall reduce the aggregate present value of the Payments under this Agreement to the Reduced Amount (as defined below) if, and
        only if, reducing the Payments under this Agreement will provide Executive with a greater net after-tax amount than would be the case if no such reduction was made, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income,
        employment and other taxes, including the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in the Payments is necessary, such reduction shall occur in the following order: (1) reduction of cash payments; (2) cancellation of
        accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (3) cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (4) reduction of other benefits paid to Executive. Within any such category of payments and benefits (that is, clauses (1),
        (2), (3) or (4) of this Section 6.9(a)), a reduction shall occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and then with respect to amounts that are. The “Reduced Amount” shall be an amount expressed in present value that maximizes the aggregate present value of Payments under this Agreement without causing any Payment to be nondeductible by the Company because of
        Section 280G of the Code.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    (b)         All determinations to be made under this Section 6.9 shall be made at the Company’s expense by a firm of
        certified public accountants of national standing selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) which may be the firm regularly auditing the financial statements of the Company. The Company and Executive
        shall furnish to the Accounting Firm such information and documents as the Accounting Firm may reasonably require in order to make a determination under this Section. To the extent requested by Executive, the Company shall cooperate with Executive
        in good faith in valuing, and the Accounting Firm shall value, services to be provided by Executive (including refraining from performing services pursuant to a covenant not to compete) before, on or after the date of the transaction which cause
        the application of Section 280G of the Code such that payments in respect of such services may be considered to be “reasonable compensation” within the meaning of the regulations under Section 280G of the Code. In making its determinations
        hereunder, the Accounting Firm shall apply reasonable, good faith interpretations regarding the applicability of Section 280G and Section 4999, along with any other applicable portions of the Code or other tax laws. The Accounting Firm shall make
        all determinations required to be made under this Section and shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Company and Executive within 30 days after the Termination Date or such earlier time as is requested by the Company, and provide an
        opinion to Executive that he or she has substantial authority not to report any excise tax on his or her Federal income tax return with respect to any Payments. Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and
        Executive. Subject to Sections 6.1(c) and 6.9, within five business days thereafter, the Company shall pay to or distribute to or for the benefit of Executive such amounts as are then due to Executive under this Agreement.

     

    (c)          As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 280G of the Code at the time of the initial
        determination by the Accounting Firm or the Company hereunder, it is possible that Payments, as the case may be, will have been made by the Company which should not have been made (“Overpayment”) or that
        additional Payments, as the case may be, which will not have been made by the Company could have been made (“Underpayment”), in each case, consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In
        the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by the Internal Revenue Service against Executive which the Accounting Firm believes has a high probability of success determines that an Overpayment has been made,
        promptly on notice and demand Executive shall repay to the Company any such Overpayment paid or distributed by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive together with interest at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section
        7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code; provided, however, that no such amount shall be payable by Executive to the Company if and to the extent such payment would not either reduce the amount on which Executive is subject to tax under Section 1 and Section
        4999 of the Code or generate a refund of such taxes. In the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon controlling precedent or other substantial authority, determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid
        by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    7.           GENERAL PROVISIONS.

     

    7.1 Notices. Any notices required hereunder to be in writing shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the Party to be notified, (b) when sent by
      electronic mail or confirmed facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
      prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its primary office location and to
      Executive at Executive’s address as listed on the Company payroll, or at such other address as the Company or Executive may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other.

    

    

    7.2 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any
      provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other
      jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

     

    7.3 Survival. Provisions of this Agreement which by their terms must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the Parties will
      survive any such termination, whether by expiration of the term, termination of Executive’s employment, or otherwise, for such period as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

     

    7.4 Waiver. If either Party should waive any breach of any provisions of this Agreement, it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach
      of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

     

    7.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is the
      complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject matter and supersedes any prior oral discussions or written communications and agreements. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or
      representation other than those expressly contained herein, and it cannot be modified or amended except in writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company. The Parties have entered into a separate Proprietary Information
      Agreement and have entered or may enter into separate agreements related to equity. These separate agreements govern other aspects of the relationship between the Parties, have or may have provisions that survive termination of Executive’s employment
      under this Agreement, may be amended or superseded by the Parties without regard to this Agreement and are enforceable according to their terms without regard to the enforcement provision of this Agreement.

     

    

    
      
        


    

    7.6 Headings. The headings of the sections hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

    

    

    7.7 Successors and Assigns. The Company shall assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any company or other entity
      with or into which the Company may hereafter merge or consolidate or to which the Company may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said Company or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing assume
      all obligations of the Company hereunder as fully as if it had been originally made a Party, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or its rights and obligations hereunder. Executive may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or
      obligations hereunder, other than to Executive’s estate upon death.

     

    7.8 Withholding. All amounts payable hereunder shall be subject to applicable tax withholding.

     

    7.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act with respect to the arbitration provisions and related matters in Sections 7.10 and
      7.11, and for all other matters shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any principles thereof relating to conflicts of law.

     

    7.10 Dispute Resolution.  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any dispute or controversy between the Parties relating to or arising out of this Agreement
      or any amendment or modification hereof, or any other claims between the Parties relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment or affiliation with the Company or termination thereof (including but not limited to any claims for harassment,
      discrimination, violation of wage and hour laws, whistleblowing, retaliation, leave rights, employee benefits, tort claims and any claims under federal, state or local statutes, regulations or ordinances relating to employment matters) shall, except
      as expressly set forth below, be exclusively determined by confidential individual arbitration in Princeton, New Jersey, or such other location as the Parties may agree in writing, under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) and pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act and the Employment Arbitration Rules of the AAA.  These rules may be accessed at the American Arbitration Association website, www.adr.org/employment, and a
      printed copy will be provided upon request.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, claims for injunctive or other equitable relief by the Company under Section 3 of this Agreement may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction (as described below). 
      Likewise, this arbitration requirement shall not apply to any criminal matters, matters for which arbitration is prohibited by law, or claims for unemployment or workers compensation, and shall not prevent Executive from filing a charge with the EEOC
      or any other government agency; provided that, unless prohibited by applicable law, any subsequent legal action shall be subject to individual arbitration as provided herein.  For the avoidance of doubt, any disputes or controversies arising out of
      or relating to the interpretation or application of this arbitration provision, including but not limited to any question regarding the scope, enforceability, revocability or validity of the arbitration provision or any portion of the arbitration
      provision, the arbitrability of any claim or dispute, and the jurisdiction of the arbitrator, including jurisdiction over non-signatories to this Agreement, shall be subject to arbitration pursuant to this arbitration provision.  The arbitration
      award shall be final and binding upon the parties and judgment may be entered thereon by any court of competent jurisdiction.  The parties hereby agree that any federal or state court sitting in the State of Delaware is a court of competent
      jurisdiction.  The service of any notice, process, motion or other document in connection with any arbitration under this Agreement, the enforcement of any arbitration award hereunder, or an action for injunctive or other equitable relief as provided
      for in this Section may be effectuated either by personal service upon a party or by certified mail duly addressed to her, him or it or her, his or its executors, administrators, personal representatives, next of kin, successors or assigns, at the
      last known address or addresses of such party or parties.  Each party hereto submits to the jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of Delaware, for any action to compel or stay arbitration, or an action by the
      Company seeking injunctive or other equitable relief under Section 4 of this Agreement (jurisdictional, venue and inconvenient forum objections to which are hereby waived by the Parties).  Pursuant to Delaware Code Section 2708(a), the Parties agree
      that they are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts located in the State of Delaware and may be served with legal process within the State of Delaware or in any other manner provided by law.  THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THEY ARE
      WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR RELATED TO EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT OR THE TERMINATION THEREOF.

     

    

    
      
        


    

    7.11          Class Action Waiver.  EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE IN THIS SECTION 7.11, ANY ARBITRATION OR
        COURT ACTION HEREUNDER SHALL PROCEED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS WITHOUT THE RIGHT FOR ANY CLAIMS TO BE ARBITRATED OR LITIGATED ON A CLASS OR COLLECTIVE ACTION BASIS OR ON A BASIS INVOLVING CLAIMS BROUGHT IN A PURPORTED REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY ON
        BEHALF OF OTHERS OR ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY OR THE PUBLIC.  CLASS AND COLLECTIVE ACTIONS UNDER THIS DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROVISION ARE PROHIBITED, WHETHER IN COURT OR ARBITRATION, AND THE ARBITRATOR OR COURT, AS APPLICABLE, SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO
        PROCEED ON SUCH BASIS. NO DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, CLAIM OR ACTION BROUGHT IN COURT OR ARBITRATION BY EXECUTIVE ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT MAY BE JOINED
        WITH A DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, CLAIM OR ACTION OF ANOTHER EXECUTIVE OR OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, ANY SUCH JOINT CLAIMS BEING WAIVED BY EXECUTIVE HEREUNDER, EXCEPT THAT THE COMPANY MAY BRING CLAIMS IN ARBITRATION OR COURT TO ENFORCE THIS AGREEMENT AND
        RELATED TORT, STATUTORY AND OTHER CLAIMS AGAINST EXECUTIVE AND OTHERS WHO ARE ACTING IN CONCERT OR PARTICIPATION WITH EXECUTIVE, AND IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING EXECUTIVE MAY JOIN ANY CLAIMS OF SUCH OTHER PARTIES (BUT NO OTHERS). ANY DISPUTES REGARDING
        THE VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS SECTION 7.11 AND THE WAIVER HEREIN SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE DULY-APPOINTED ARBITRATOR, AND NOT BY A COURT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE BODY.  IN ANY CASE IN WHICH (1) THE DISPUTE IS
        FILED AS A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, REPRESENTATIVE OR JOINT ACTION AND (2) THE ARBITRATOR FINDS ALL OR PART OF THE CLASS ACTION WAIVER TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, THE CLASS, COLLECTIVE, REPRESENTATIVE OR JOINT ACTION TO THAT EXTENT MUST BE LITIGATED
        IN A COURT WITH JURISDICTION AND VENUE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 7.10, AND NOT IN ARBITRATION, BUT THE PORTION OF THE CLASS ACTION WAIVER THAT IS ENFORCEABLE SHALL BE ENFORCED IN ARBITRATION, AND CLAIMS FALLING THEREUNDER SHALL BE ADJUDICATED IN
        ARBITRATION.

     

      

    
      
        


    

    7.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one Party, but all of which taken
      together will constitute one and the same Agreement. Facsimile signatures and signatures transmitted by PDF shall be equivalent to original signatures.

     

    [SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

     

    

    
      
        


    

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first written above.

     

       

    	 	
            PDS BIOTECHNOLOGY 

            CORPORATION

          
	 	
            By:

          	
            /s/ Frank Bedu-Addo

          	 
	 	
            Name:

          	
            Frank K. Bedu-Addo PhD

          	 
	 	
            Title:

          	
            President and Chief Executive Officer

          	 
	 	 	 


    	 	
            EXECUTIVE:

          
	 	 	 
	 	
            By:

          	
            /s/ Gregory Conn

          	 
	 	
            Name:

          	
            Gregory Conn PhD

          	 


    

    

    
      
        


    

    EXHIBIT A

     

    PROPRIETARY INFORMATION & RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT

     

    ***

     

    
      
        


    

    EXHIBIT B

     

    ADVISORY OR BOARD OF DIRECTOR ROLES