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Director Preclinical Development Jobs in Raleigh, NC

To date, we've developed a suite of research-enabling resources, funded or collaborated with over ... hiring a Director of Preclinical Research to help us pursue a growing number of research ...

Good understanding of drug commercialisation process, including activities from preclinical through ... Significant experience with proven results in people leadership and talent development in a ...

Sr. Scientist, Gene Therapy and Gene Editing

Durham, NC · On-site

$88.40K - $120.80K/yr

Speak with your direct manager to discuss your interest and alignment with your development goals ... preclinical gene therapy programs * Provide scientific leadership and project oversight across ...

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Director Preclinical Development information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$39.4K

$89.8K

$150.7K

How much do director preclinical development jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director preclinical development in Raleigh, NC is $89,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Director Preclinical Development job?

A Director of Preclinical Development oversees the early-stage research and testing of drug candidates before they enter clinical trials. They manage preclinical studies, ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and efficacy assessments. This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams, external partners, and regulatory agencies to advance promising compounds. Strong expertise in toxicology, pharmacology, and regulatory guidelines is essential. The director plays a key role in shaping the preclinical strategy to support successful drug development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director Preclinical Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Preclinical Development, you need deep expertise in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research, strong project management abilities, and an advanced degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., or equivalent) in a life sciences field. Familiarity with regulatory guidelines (such as GLP), experience using data management and statistical analysis software, and prior leadership roles in preclinical studies are essential. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills set candidates apart in managing multidisciplinary teams and collaborative projects. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding drug candidates through preclinical stages while ensuring regulatory compliance and timely project delivery.

What are the typical responsibilities and team dynamics for a Director of Preclinical Development?

A Director of Preclinical Development is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and management of preclinical research programs, ensuring that studies meet scientific, regulatory, and project milestones. You will typically work with cross-functional teams including toxicologists, pharmacologists, regulatory affairs professionals, and external partners, fostering collaboration throughout the drug development process. The role often involves reviewing study designs and data, preparing regulatory submissions, and providing strategic direction to advance compounds toward clinical testing. Working closely with upper management, you'll play a key part in shaping research priorities and resource allocation. This position offers significant influence over drug development strategies and opportunities for advancement to higher executive or scientific leadership roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Preclinical Development jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Preclinical Development jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
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Senior Director Development - Early Stage Biologics/Antibodies

Senior Director Development - Early Stage Biologics/Antibodies

Inhalon Biopharma

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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Job description

The Senior Director, Development will report to the Vice President of Operations and dotted line to the Chief Scientific Officer and will play a central role in advancing the company’s portfolio of inhaled and prophylactic immunotherapies for acute respiratory infections. This position is responsible for leading and managing the company’s research and preclinical development programs, guiding a team of scientists and outside vendors and collaborators in executing high-quality science that advances candidates from early discovery through IND filing. The Senior Director will work in close collaboration with the VP Operations and CSO to shape and execute the company’s development strategy and will contribute to the evaluation of new technologies and product opportunities.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day execution of the company's preclinical development programs, ensuring studies are conducted with scientific rigor and in alignment with program objectives.
  • Manage and mentor a team of research scientists and associates, including hiring, training, coaching, performance appraisal, and professional development.
  • Collaborate with the VP Operations and CSO to develop and refine the company’s research and development strategy, including the design and prioritization of studies to advance the drug candidate pipeline.
  • Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo studies to characterize therapeutic candidates, including PK, PD, efficacy, and safety assessments.
  • Ensure research programs are executed on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable GLP, GMP, and regulatory standards.
  • Responsible for creating budgets and tracking spending for lab and development programs.
  • Manage relationships with contract research organizations (CROs) and external collaborators, including defining scope of work, overseeing study execution, and reviewing data outputs.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research reports, regulatory submissions, grant applications, and scientific publications.
  • Support grant management activities by ensuring timely delivery of grant milestones and contributing to new grant and contract applications.
  • Evaluate external technologies and scientific literature to identify opportunities to strengthen the company's research capabilities and pipeline.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams including regulatory affairs, project management, and business development to align research and development activities with broader company goals.
  • Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and open communication within the development team.
  • Represent the company's research programs to external partners, collaborators, and investors as appropriate.

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Qualifications/Requirements

  • PhD in immunology, virology, pharmacology, bioengineering, or a closely related field required.
  • Minimum of 8–12 years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a strong record of accomplishment in research and preclinical drug development.
  • Demonstrated expertise in therapeutic antibody research and development, from early discovery through preclinical development stages.
  • A strong working knowledge of biologics manufacturing (upstream and downstream) as well as formulation optimization and stability studies is essential.
  • Hands-on experience designing and executing in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies and interpreting complex data sets.
  • Experience leading or co-leading cross-functional project teams that have advanced candidates into the clinic.
  • Demonstrated success managing CRO relationships and working with collaborators.
  • Experience with PK, PD, and ADA assay development and analysis in support of clinical development activities.
  • Prior experience in the development of respiratory therapeutics and/or antivirals is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working in an early-stage or growth-stage biotech environment is preferred.
  • Depth of scientific expertise evidenced by publications, presentations, or patents in the relevant field.
  • Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain scientific talent in a collaborative team environment.
  • Good knowledge of GLP, GMP and GCP regulatory requirements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

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​How to Apply​​​​

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to hr@inhalon.com.

Thank you for your interest in Inhalon Biopharma. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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