Vice President of Preclinical Drug Development

Job Description

Job Description

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.

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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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.

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