Vice President, Preclinical and Clinical Development

Planet Pharma
La Jolla Shores, CA

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.

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