Vice President, Head, Nonclinical Development

Job Description

Job Description

Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company using its proprietary lysosomal targeting chimera (LYTAC) platform to discover and develop best-in-class therapeutics that degrade extracellular and membrane-bound proteins. These proteins drive a wide range of difficult-to-treat diseases, including autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Lycia was established in 2019 in collaboration with academic founder and Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and HHMI investigator at Stanford University. In June, 2026, Lycia Therapeutics completed a $75 million Series D financing to advance its pipeline of LYTAC extracellular protein degraders into the clinic. Lycia is headquartered in South San Francisco. 

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Position Summary

Highly motivated, creative scientific leader to advance our pipeline of LYTAC degraders and help establish Lycia as the industry leader in endosomal-lysosomal degradation and delivery. A successful candidate can effectively work cross-functionally and has a strong drug development track record of advancing programs from target discovery through IND/clinical stage. 

• Fully accountable for building and overseeing the nonclinical/translational strategy for company programs. Responsible for the design and execution of nonclinical (safety/toxicology, bioanalysis, PK/PD/ADME) plans to efficiently advance molecules at all stages of drug development; including non-GLP and GLP-compliant studies
• Build the nonclinical development function with the requisite scientific, safety/toxicology, PK/ADME and regulatory expertise
• Guide early clinical dosing strategy by integrating relevant nonclinical data
• Work in close collaboration with the Lycia Leadership team and project team leads, contract research organizations (CROs) and external consultants to advance multiple drug candidates into and through clinical development
• Serve as a departmental representative and/or project leader for pipeline programs
• May also support clinical pharmacology activities for development programs
• Ensures timely, clear and accurate communication and interpretation of study results to facilitate productive discussion and effective decision making
• Coordinate and contribute to the preparation of documents required for regulatory meetings and submissions
• May serve as the company representative or subject matter expert in meetings with external stakeholders (business partners/collaborators, vendors, investigators, regulatory agencies)
• Maintain a current understanding of drug development and translational science literature and methodology relevant for the advancement of drug discovery projects
• Member of scientific leadership team that will work effectively and collaboratively with other departments and cross-functional teams, and contribute to building a positive, team-oriented culture

• Requires a Ph.D. in toxicology, pharmacology or other pharmaceutical or biological science
• 10+ years of industry experience beyond postdoctoral work in drug development and 5+ years of successful functional area management/ leadership
• Experience and accomplishment in progressing large molecule, small molecule, and antibody drug conjugate candidates from research through development (resulting in successful INDs and/or BLA/NDA/MAAs).
• Strong knowledge of nonclinical drug development, FDA and ICH guidelines and GLP/GMP regulations
• Experience in designing, conducting and interpreting nonclinical pharmacology, PK/PD/ADME and toxicology studies
• Experience in working with external CROs with timely and successful delivery of studies and well-written deliverables; experience collaborating and managing consultants in various areas of nonclinical sciences
• Understanding of CMC, QA, clinical and regulatory stages to effectively support nonclinical and project activities throughout development
• Experience in writing nonclinical sections of regulatory documents and direct interaction with the FDA/health authorities
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high functioning, collaborative and driven teams (both internal and external), and mentoring direct reports and/or junior cross-functional colleagues as applicable
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships both internally and externally
• Flexible and dynamic interpersonal approach, entrepreneurial by nature, a collaborative team player who works well with physicians, scientists, managers, peers, and staff
• Ability to manage in a consensus environment through teamwork, trust and shared expectations, influencing strategic direction of complex global regulatory issues, solicit information, listen well, persuade others, make important decisions and shape outcomes.

The expected base salary range for this role is $235,000-$256,000. We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there is often flexibility on job title and responsibilities. Compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications and internal equity. Lycia offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Lycia and other biotech companies have recently noticed an increase in email and social media scams targeting job candidates in our industry. Please note Lycia will post any legitimate job openings directly on our website or through our recruitment partner, Lever. If you wish to verify the legitimacy of a job opening, you may contact us.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.