1

Preclinical Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$200 - $260/hr

Scholar Rock is seeking a Director of Research and Development Technology to cultivate strong ... Provide architecture and delivery leadership for research, translational, preclinical, and R&D ...

Showing results 21-40

Preclinical Research Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do preclinical research director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for preclinical research director in the United States is $191,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $229,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a preclinical research director do?

A Preclinical Research Director oversees the planning, execution, and management of preclinical studies that assess the safety and efficacy of new drug candidates or medical devices before they are tested in humans. This role involves coordinating research teams, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, managing budgets, and facilitating communication between cross-functional teams. They play a critical role in translating scientific discoveries into viable clinical candidates by guiding research strategy and ensuring the integrity and quality of preclinical data.

How does a preclinical research director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during drug development projects?

A Preclinical Research Director works closely with multidisciplinary teams, including pharmacologists, toxicologists, regulatory affairs, and clinical development professionals. They facilitate communication between scientific staff and management, ensuring that preclinical studies align with project goals and regulatory requirements. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to review data, discuss study designs, and address any scientific or logistical challenges. This role is essential for integrating diverse expertise and driving projects efficiently toward clinical development milestones.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preclinical research director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preclinical Research Director, you need advanced knowledge in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug development, typically supported by a PhD or equivalent degree and extensive research experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory guidelines like GLP, and data analysis tools is essential. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with strategic goals. These competencies are crucial for overseeing successful preclinical studies that support regulatory submissions and move drug candidates toward clinical trials.

What is the difference between Preclinical Research Director vs Preclinical Scientist?

AspectPreclinical Research DirectorPreclinical Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD, DVM) often required; leadership experienceTypically a PhD or Master's in relevant field
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in labs or R&D departments, strategic planningConducts experiments in laboratory settings, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech companies, CROsResearch institutions, biotech firms, pharma companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in preclinical researchDetails on scientific research and experimental work

The Preclinical Research Director focuses on leading research teams, strategic planning, and overseeing multiple projects, while the Preclinical Scientist is primarily involved in conducting experiments and analyzing data. Both roles require advanced scientific credentials, but the director's role emphasizes leadership and management within the preclinical research process.

More about Preclinical Research Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Preclinical Research Director jobs?

Cities with the most Preclinical Research Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Preclinical Research jobs?

The most popular types of Preclinical Research jobs are:

What states have the most Preclinical Research Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Preclinical Research Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Preclinical Research Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Preclinical Research Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Preclinical Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Scientist, Preclinical Research, Robotics & Digital Solutions - MedTech Surgery

Johnson and Johnson

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
Job Function:
Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development
Job Sub Function:
Animal Medicine
Job Category:
Scientific/Technology
All Job Posting Locations:
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
Job Description:
About Surgery
Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we're developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments. Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of MedTech surgery? Ready to join a team that's reimagining how we heal? Our MedTech Surgery team will give you the chance to deliver surgical technologies and solutions to surgeons and healthcare professionals around the world. Your contributions will help effectively treat some of the world's most prevalent conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Patients are waiting. Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at https://jnjmedtech.com
Johnson & Johnson MedTech Surgery is recruiting for a Scientist, Preclinical Research, Robotics & Digital Solutions, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This position has the unique opportunity to support Preclinical activities within the Johnson & Johnson MedTech Surgery Robotics program.
Purpose:
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has been working to make surgery better for more than a century. With substantial breadth and depth in surgical technologies, orthopedic and interventional solutions, we aspire to improve and enhance medical care for people worldwide. Together, we are working to shape the future of health through differentiated products and services.
Johnson & Johnson's long-term vision is to use digital technology as part of a holistic approach to surgery across the episode of care to enhance surgical efficiency, promote better clinical outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. This position will serve as a scientific contributor for the development and execution of preclinical evidence strategies necessary to competitively position a product for domestic and international regulatory and clinical acceptance
You will be responsible for:
  • Supports product evaluations involving animate, inanimate, and cadaveric models
  • Performs research supporting development of products or procedures in minimally invasive robotic surgery
  • Assisting or conducting investigations for medical device development and preclinical evidence generation aligned to R&D, Regulatory, and Commercial needs
  • Coordinate and ensure accurate documentation of laboratory activities
  • Conduct lab activities in compliance with USDA, AAALAC, and J&J Animal use policies
  • Ensure compliance with 21 CFR Part 58 - Good Laboratory Practices
  • Contribute and support the design of appropriate studies to meet premarket and postmarket needs
  • Design, plan and execute preclinical animal studies for the assessment of safety, performance, and effectiveness
    • Act as study coordinator in support of the Study Director
    • May act as Study Director on less complex projects
  • Assess, communicate, and manage the risks associated to the preclinical evaluation of products.
  • Assist in appropriate interpretation and dissemination of all evidence generated, based on evidence dissemination strategy, including study reports, abstracts, manuscripts, etc.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment that embraces ownership and accountability for innovation, change, risk, and flexibility
  • Build successful relationships internally and develop partnerships with key business partners
  • May require up to 15% domestic and international travel

Qualifications / Requirements:
  • A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Biological Science or a related discipline
  • A minimum of 3 years of related scientific / technical experience within preclinical research
  • Experience in preclinical science and processes along with an understanding of medical device development processes, related healthcare market environment, clinical trends, and preclinical regulations
  • Track record of contributing to preclinical programs on time, within budget and in compliance to SOPs and regulations
  • Experience working in a GLP environment and direct experience executing preclinical studies
  • Understanding of good documentation practices
  • Familiarity with animal welfare regulations and IACUC

Preferred:
  • Experience working in Medical Devices or Robotics
  • Experience working with large animal models
  • Experience in support of global regulatory submissions for medical devices, biologics, or drugs (including PMA/BLA/NDA and/or their global counterparts)

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
This position is eligible to participate in the Company's long-term incentive program.
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:
  • Vacation -120 hours per calendar year
  • Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado -48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington -56 hours per calendar year
  • Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays -13 days per calendar year
  • Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
  • Parental Leave - 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
  • Bereavement Leave - 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
  • Caregiver Leave - 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days
  • Volunteer Leave - 32 hours per calendar year
  • Military Spouse Time-Off - 80 hours per calendar year

For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit www.careers.jnj.com.
Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.
If you are under 18 years of age you (the candidate) may need to obtain the necessary working papers or other documentation required by state law to start the assignment, as well as get a parent's consent for the background check
#LI-Hybrid
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Analytical Reasoning, Clinical Trial Protocols, Data Savvy, Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Development, Quality Control (QC), Research Ethics, Researching, Scientific Research, Supervision, Technologically Savvy, Unflappability, Use of Laboratory Equipment, Veterinary Care, Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, Vivarium Management
The anticipated base pay range for this position is :
$92,000.00 - $148,350.00
Additional Description for Pay Transparency: