English
French
Spanish
Vice President of Preclinical Drug Development
San Diego, CA, US
Scientific
Doctorate/PhD
Full Time, Direct Hire
$300,000-320,000
Executive (SVP/VP/Department Head)
On-site
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
First Shift (Day)
San Diego, CA, US
$300,000-320,000
Executive (SVP/VP/Department Head)
Full Time, Direct Hire
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
On-site
Scientific
Doctorate/PhD
First Shift (Day)
Job details
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Vice President of Preclinical and Clinical Development opportunity with one of our clients, a leading non-profit translational research institute in San Diego, CA. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology industry.
Workplace: Onsite in San Diego, CA
Position Title: Vice President, Preclinical and Clinical Development
Salary range: 300,000-320,000/year
Are you ready to shape the future of medicine at the intersection of world-class biomedical science and breakthrough innovation? Join a cutting-edge nonprofit translational research institute driven to accelerate new drug development and transform patient outcomes, spanning a diverse range of human diseases.
Position Summary
We seek an accomplished and visionary Vice President of Preclinical & Clinical Development to drive strategy and execution across the full continuum of preclinical drug development. This senior, on-site executive will provide scientific and operational leadership for in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK, bringing early-stage therapeutic candidates from discovery through IND filing and into early clinical trials.
This is a rare opportunity to lead talented, cross-functional teams in both small molecule and biologics programs, with responsibility for guiding foundational research, developing robust IND-enabling packages, and shaping drug development strategy for a dynamic, high-impact portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Lead scientific and strategic direction for all preclinical pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities.
- Oversee the integration of preclinical data to drive lead optimization, candidate selection, dose determination, and seamless clinical translation.
- Champion multidisciplinary program advancement by collaborating with chemistry, biology, DMPK, CMC, regulatory, and clinical teams.
- Ensure compliance with GLP standards and regulatory guidelines.
- Prepare and present IND filings, manage regulatory interactions, and contribute meaningfully to development strategy.
- Manage and optimize relationships with CROs, ensuring scientific excellence and operational efficiency across outsourced programs.
- Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and accountability.
- Communicate program strategies, results, and recommendations to stakeholders, leadership, and external review boards.
- Provide insightful input to portfolio strategy, program reviews, and key organizational decisions.
Qualifications
- PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
- Proven success advancing both small molecules and biologics through preclinical development, IND-enabling studies, and early clinical trials.
- Deep hands-on and leadership experience with in vivo pharmacology, efficacy models, toxicology, and ADME/PK.
- Expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex portfolios in a fast-paced R&D setting.
- Strong knowledge of GLP/GMP regulations and regulatory expectations for IND submissions.
- Extensive experience with CRO management and outsourced research.
- Exceptional scientific judgment, communication, and cross-functional influence.
- Previous senior leadership or executive experience preferred.
- Full-time, on-site presence required.
- Ability to lead large organizations while maintaining hands-on scientific engagement.
Comprehensive Benefits
- Highly competitive compensation, including eligibility for both short-term and long-term incentive bonus programs.
- Employer-contributed retirement plans with optional 403(b) contributions.
- Robust health and welfare benefits, including multiple medical plan options, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and EAP.
- Flexible spending account options (medical/dependent care).
- Generous vacation and sick leave policies.
- Complimentary on-site parking.
#P1
10303724
I want more jobs like this in my inbox.
Similar Jobs
Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.