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Director of Preclinical Research

Durham, NC · On-site +1

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 ...

Scripps Research

Director of Regulatory Affairs

San Diego, CA · On-site

$159.30K - $210.20K/yr

Director of Regulatory Affairs POSITION SUMMARY: Calibr-Skaggs is seeking an experienced and ... Provide regulatory guidance to cross-functional program teams from preclinical development through ...

Ionis

Associate Director of Pathology

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$169K - $237K/yr

We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our ... The Preclinical Development Department includes highly collaborative scientists who provide a ...

Calibr

Director of Regulatory Affairs

San Diego, CA

$159.30K - $210.20K/yr

Director of Regulatory Affairs POSITION SUMMARY: Calibr-Skaggs is seeking an experienced and ... Provide regulatory guidance to cross-functional program teams from preclinical development through ...

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How much do director preclinical development jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director preclinical development in the United States is $92,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $108,500.00 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.
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Director Preclinical Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Preclinical Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,386 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Senior Director, Delivery

Senior Director, Delivery

Senda Biosciences

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Sail

Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail's platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.

The Role

The Sr Director, Delivery will be responsible for advancing Sail's targeted nanoparticle delivery platform, with a particular focus on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies for cell-specific delivery of RNA therapeutics. This role will lead the strategy and execution of delivery innovation from early discovery through preclinical development, enabling robust, scalable, and translatable delivery solutions across Sail's pipeline.

This individual will bring deep technical expertise in lipid nanoparticle design and formulation, as well as demonstrated experience in targeted delivery approaches, including ligand-mediated targeting, bioconjugation, and receptor-specific delivery strategies. They will play a central role in shaping Sail's delivery capabilities, expanding tissue and cell-type reach, and unlocking new therapeutic applications.

The Sr Director will operate at the intersection of Platform, Programs and Technical Development, working cross-functionally to translate delivery innovations into high-impact programs. They will lead a team of scientists and serve as a key thought partner to senior leadership on delivery strategy, platform investments, portfolio prioritization, and technical risk.

This role is accountable for the foundational and Delivery capability at Sail, ensuring that targeted nanoparticle systems are not only innovative but also translatable and scalable, enabling continued pipeline progression to development candidates.

Responsibilities

Delivery Leadership and Strategy

  • Lead and grow Sail's Delivery team, advancing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and targeted delivery technologies.
  • Drive innovation in targeted nanoparticles, including design, formulation, ligand selection and conjugation, receptor-mediated uptake, and cytosolic delivery.
  • Define and execute delivery strategy across tissues and disease areas, guiding nanoparticle engineering for precise targeting and biodistribution.
  • Develop and apply high-throughput screening approaches to evaluate delivery performance, including biodistribution, cellular uptake, and functional expression.
  • Partner with Program teams to advance multiple development candidates, improving efficiency, specificity, and translatability.
  • Partner with Technical Development to ensure scalable, robust processes supporting progression to clinic.

Cross-Functional & Operational Leadership

  • Lead cross-functional delivery efforts to advance programs from concept through candidate nomination.
  • Collaborate with ligand design and program teams to align delivery strategies with disease biology and therapeutic goals.
  • Identify and mitigate key delivery risks to enable program success.
  • Drive integrated planning across delivery activities, aligning timelines, milestones, and resources.
  • Manage external collaborations, including CROs and technology partners.
  • Advise senior leadership on delivery strategy, portfolio prioritization, and execution risks.

Qualifications

  • PhD or MD in drug delivery, chemical engineering, materials science, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Deep expertise in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems, including formulation development, lipid chemistry, and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of delivery performance.
  • Demonstrated experience in targeted delivery approaches, including ligand conjugation, receptor-mediated targeting, and nanoparticle surface engineering.
  • Strong understanding of nucleic acid delivery challenges, including biodistribution, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and immunogenicity.
  • Experience advancing delivery technologies toward IND-enabling studies or clinical translation, with an appreciation for scalability, manufacturability, and regulatory considerations.
  • Proven track record of advancing delivery technologies from discovery through preclinical development.
  • Experience building and leading multidisciplinary scientific teams in a fast-paced biotech environment.
  • Ability to operate strategically while remaining deeply connected to scientific detail and execution.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership skills, with experience working across chemistry, biology, process development, and translational teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and clearly articulate complex technical concepts.

Salary Range: $235,000 - $290,000

Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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