Vice President, Preclinical and Clinical Development

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for all in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities.
• Lead pharmacology efforts across the full R&D continuum, from target validation and lead optimization through IND-enabling studies and early clinical development.
• Design, interpret, and integrate pharmacology and toxicology data to inform candidate selection, dose selection, and clinical translation.
• Partner closely with chemistry, biology, DMPK, CMC, regulatory, and clinical teams to ensure cohesive and efficient program advancement.
• Ensure key activities are conducted in compliance with GLP and GMP regulations, as appropriate for stage of development.
• Serve as a key contributor to IND filings, regulatory interactions, and development strategy.
• Oversee and manage multiple CROs supporting outsourced pharmacology, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and budget adherence.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, fostering scientific rigor, collaboration, and accountability.
• Establish best practices, workflows, and external partnerships to support program execution and portfolio advancement.
• Present program strategy, data, and recommendations to internal and external review boards, and maintain close, ongoing communication with executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Provide scientific input to portfolio strategy, program reviews, and senior leadership decision-making.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell Biology or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry setting.
• Demonstrated success advancing both small molecules and biologics through discovery, IND-enabling studies, and early clinical development.
• Extensive hands-on and leadership experience in in vivo pharmacology, efficacy models, toxicology, and ADME/PK.
• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and manage complex programs in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong working knowledge of GLP and GMP regulations and their application to preclinical and early clinical drug development.
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations for preclinical development and IND submission.
• Proven experience managing multiple CROs and outsourced pharmacology programs.
• Excellent scientific judgment, communication skills, and ability to influence across functions.
• Prior experience in a senior leadership or executive-level role strongly preferred.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and manage a large organization while maintaining hands-on scientific engagement.