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Preclinical Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provides strategic medical guidance and leads the development of experimental oncology agents in the TCO portfolio, beginning with PE / DC (Portfolio Entry / Drug Candidate) of preclinical ...

Job Function: R&D Operations Job Sub Function: Laboratory Operations Job Category: Business ... The Preclinical Research Technologist supports preclinical research activities for medical device ...

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Preclinical Development information

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How much do preclinical development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for preclinical development in the United States is $85,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Preclinical Development, you need a solid background in biology, pharmacology, or related life science fields, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with laboratory research. Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, data analysis software, and animal study management systems is expected. Strong attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are valuable soft skills. These competencies are essential to ensure the successful and compliant progression of drug candidates toward clinical trials.

What is a Preclinical Development job?

A Preclinical Development job involves overseeing the research and testing of drug candidates before they enter clinical trials. Professionals in this role design and conduct studies to assess a drug’s safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics using laboratory and animal models. They collaborate with scientists, regulatory experts, and project managers to generate data required for regulatory approval. Their work helps identify potential risks and optimize drug formulations before human testing begins.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in Preclinical Development?

Professionals in Preclinical Development are responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing laboratory and animal studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drug candidates before clinical trials. They often collaborate closely with research scientists, regulatory teams, and project managers to ensure studies meet compliance standards and scientific objectives. Daily tasks may include developing protocols, interpreting data, preparing regulatory documentation, and troubleshooting experimental issues. This role offers opportunities to gain broad exposure to the drug discovery process and can lead to advancement into project leadership or regulatory affairs positions.

More about Preclinical Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Preclinical Development jobs? Cities with the most Preclinical Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Preclinical Development jobs? The most popular types of Preclinical Development jobs are:
What states have the most Preclinical Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Preclinical Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Preclinical Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,045 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Clinical Program Leader (CPL)

Novartis

Cambridge, MA • Hybrid

$248K - $461K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Novartis rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 73 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description Summary

Location: Cambridge, MA. Hybrid
May consider DWA, but candidates local to onsite preferred
#LI-Hybrid
Experience will determine which level 6 (Senior CPL or CPL) is appropriate after interview process based on skills and experience.
CPL: Provides strategic medical guidance and leads the development of experimental oncology agents in the TCO portfolio, beginning with PE / DC (Portfolio Entry / Drug Candidate) of preclinical development and continuing through TDP (Transition Decision Point).


Job Description

Major Accountabilities

  • Provides strategic medical and scientific leadership and expertise to all line functions on the project team for the development of new oncology agents (e.g., small molecules, biologics, radioligand therapies) that are in preclinical development, typically beginning at the PE / DC
  • Creates clinical development strategies for new oncology agents within the PE/ DC to TDP timeframe. The development strategy combines the CPL's medical knowledge with the expertise of colleagues in a wide range of other disciplines (e.g., Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics) to optimize the clinical development strategy. Delivers solutions within functions, across functions, and on global projects, developing independent approach to TCO strategy.
  • Although registration studies are not within the responsibility of TCO, the CPL must provide an early clinical development strategy that foresees and supports subsequent registration trials. Development of the Integrated Development Plan Approval (IDPA) in alignment with CPL Disease Area Leads (DALs), Development (DEV), Strategy & Growth (S&G), and Commercial teams
  • Lead Biomedical Research Early Program Teams (BPTs) to enable the start of clinical development and continuing through clinical trials needed to support TDP. May lead multiple global project teams
  • Integrates preclinical information (pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics) and interprets implications for clinical development, as articulated in the Investigator's Brochure and First-in-Human protocol
  • Collaborates with clinical scientists to develop clinical protocols for TCO compounds and develop the instruments needed to implement, interpret and report them (e.g., case report forms, report and analysis plans, clinical study reports)
  • Applies own medical knowledge to guide the safe, ethical and efficient conduct of the trials under own responsibility. Knowledgeable in Good Clinical Practice guidelines and Novartis Standard Operating Procedures and strives to maintain compliance with them
  • Liaises with outside experts, investigators, and regulatory authorities in oncology, and represents own projects to those groups and authorities
  • Writes and reviews abstracts/manuscripts etc. for presentation/publications at internal/external meetings
  • Participates in task forces to support continuous improvement and other management objectives. Operational responsibility for quality and compliance
  • May provide informal mentorship to less experienced CPLs

Qualifications:

Education:

MD or DO degree

Board-certification in an oncology specialty and PhD-level science are preferred

Languages:

Fluent English - Oral and written

Experience/Professional requirement:

  • At least 2 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in oncology clinical trials plus the equivalent duration experience from an academic medical center. If limited or no Pharmaceutical industry experience, then comparable senior academic experience in translational oncology and clinical research
  • Recognized as an expert in your field by external medical experts. External candidates have a substantial record of publication and international recognition
  • Excellent interpretation of oncology preclinical data (molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology)
  • Strong knowledge of the application of PK/PD and biostatistics to clinical development and clinical trials
  • Proven ability to analyze and interpret efficacy and safety data relating to oncology
  • Knowledge of GCP and world-wide regulatory requirements for clinical trials and oncology
  • Excellent medical/scientific writing skills
  • Successful track record of strategic thinking
  • Proven ability to develop and inspire project/line/matrix multidisciplinary teams in a global environment
  • Excellent personal ethical integrity and a commitment to improving the outcomes for patients with malignancies
  • Excellent written and oral English communication/presentation skills
  • Strong office IT skills

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $248,500.00 - 461,500.00 USD Annual per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,

holidays and other leaves.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$248,500.00 - $461,500.00


Skills Desired

Clinical Monitoring, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Protocol, Clinical Trials, Decision Making Skills, Drug Development, Health Sciences, Medical Strategy, Regulatory Compliance