Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Delivery)

Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Delivery)

Irvine, California, United States

About the Role

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Delivery) will lead and execute innovative drug delivery and formulation strategies to support pre-IND product development, candidate selection, and novel delivery platform advancement. The incumbent will drive scientific and technical direction for formulation & delivery approaches across modalities, strengthen the company's IP portfolio, and collaborate with cross-functional teams (Innovation Lab, Translational Sciences, Pharmaceutical Development, Analytical Development) to enable successful transition from concept to candidate selection.

Let's talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:

• Develop and lead delivery sciences strategy for new and emerging modalities (small molecules, biologics, peptides)
• Identify white space opportunities and contribute to invention disclosures and patent strategy in partnership with IP counsel.
• Evaluate competitive landscape and emerging delivery technologies to inform internal innovation strategy.
• Design, execute, interpret laboratory results to develop and optimize novel drug delivery systems, and define data-driven next steps to drive platform development.
• Generate formulation and delivery approaches to enable pre-clinical animal models.
• With the Translational Sciences team interpret in vitro and in vivo data (PK/PD, bio-distribution, tolerability) to refine and prioritize delivery strategies.
• Represent delivery sciences in program governance and external partnerships.
• Serve as scientific lead for external CRO partnerships.
• R&D project budget planning and budget management.
• May perform other related duties as required and/or assigned.

Factors for Success:

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in drug delivery and developing novel drug delivery platforms from concept through preclinical validation.
• Experience managing CROs and external research collaborations.
• Strong experimental design, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
• Track record of platform innovation and contribution to patents in drug delivery.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in cross-functional project leadership.
• Tarsus Competencies:
• Decision Making - Demonstrates strong decision-making by applying structured analysis to complex challenges, balancing competing priorities and long-term impacts while engaging stakeholders and driving solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaboration and Team Building - Promotes collaboration by aligning diverse teams around shared goals, fostering healthy debate to advance outcomes, and building strong networks that strengthen organizational effectiveness and cross-team learning.
• Outcome Driven - Demonstrates strong outcomes focus by aligning teams around shared priorities, proactively addressing risks and dependencies, and driving cross-functional accountability to sustain progress and deliver results.

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:

• The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment.
• We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact!
• This position reports directly to our Sr. Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Some travel may be required – up to 20%.

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $150,000 - $210,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.