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Vice President Preclinical Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

Legend Biotech is seeking a VP, Head of Preclinical Development as part of the Early Drug Development team based in Somerset, NJ.Role OverviewLegend Biotech is a clinical-stage biotech company ...

Korsana Biosciences, Inc.

VP, CMC

Waltham, MA · On-site

$300 - $340/hr

In partnership with Paragon Therapeutics, we have developed Therapeutic Targeting (THETA™), a ... Ensure product supply for clinical and preclinical studies * Establish and maintain an ...

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How much do vice president preclinical development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for vice president preclinical development in the United States is $147,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $175,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vice president preclinical development do?

A Vice President of Preclinical Development oversees the early stages of drug development before clinical trials begin. This role is responsible for managing research teams, setting scientific strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding the transition of drug candidates from discovery to clinical testing. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including research, toxicology, and regulatory affairs, to ensure preclinical studies meet both scientific and business objectives. Their leadership is crucial for advancing promising compounds toward approval and commercialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vice president preclinical development?

To thrive as a Vice President of Preclinical Development, you need deep expertise in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug discovery, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, or MD) and significant leadership experience in preclinical research. Familiarity with regulatory submission processes, GLP standards, and data analysis tools like Prism or Spotfire is essential. Excellent strategic thinking, team leadership, and cross-functional communication are standout soft skills for this role. These capabilities are vital to drive successful drug candidate advancement, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead high-performing scientific teams.

What are the main challenges faced by a vice president preclinical development when managing cross-functional teams?

A Vice President of Preclinical Development often oversees diverse teams that include scientists, project managers, and regulatory professionals. One of the main challenges is ensuring seamless communication and collaboration among these groups, especially when aligning scientific objectives with regulatory requirements and project timelines. It also requires balancing strategic decision-making with hands-on problem solving, as well as fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining compliance. Strong leadership and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities are essential for overcoming these challenges and driving successful preclinical programs.

What is the difference between Vice President Preclinical Development vs Director of Preclinical Research?

AspectVice President Preclinical DevelopmentDirector of Preclinical Research
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire preclinical development strategy, manages teams, and aligns research with company goalsLeads preclinical research projects, manages teams, and ensures project milestones are met
Experience & CredentialsExtensive industry experience, advanced degrees (PhD, MD), leadership skillsSignificant research experience, advanced degrees, project management skills
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, cross-department collaboration, strategic planningResearch labs, project teams, collaboration with R&D departments

The Vice President Preclinical Development holds a senior leadership role, focusing on strategic oversight and company-wide preclinical initiatives. The Director of Preclinical Research manages specific research projects and teams, reporting to senior leadership. Both roles require advanced degrees and extensive experience, but the VP role emphasizes strategic leadership and cross-functional coordination.

What cities are hiring for Vice President Preclinical Development jobs?

Cities with the most Vice President 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 Vice President Preclinical Development jobs?

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Vice President Preclinical Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vice President Preclinical Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,428 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

VICE PRESIDENT, PRECLINICAL & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Calibr

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US:
Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs' drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Preclinical & Clinical Development
POSITION SUMMARY:
Calibr-Skaggs is seeking an accomplished and strategic Vice President of Preclinical Development to lead and integrate in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK across research and development programs. This individual will play a critical leadership role in advancing early-stage, novel therapeutic candidates from discovery through IND filing and into early clinical development.
The successful candidate will bring deep scientific expertise, strong people leadership, and a proven track record of translational success in both small molecule and biologics drug development. This is a senior, on-site leadership role responsible for guiding multidisciplinary teams and shaping Calibr-Skaggs' pharmacology strategy across multiple programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
  • Provide scientific and strategic leadership for all in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities.
  • Lead pharmacology efforts across the full R&D continuum, from target validation and lead optimization through IND-enabling studies and early clinical development.
  • Design, interpret, and integrate pharmacology and toxicology data to inform candidate selection, dose selection, and clinical translation.
  • Partner closely with chemistry, biology, DMPK, CMC, regulatory, and clinical teams to ensure cohesive and efficient program advancement.
  • Ensure key activities are conducted in compliance with GLP, as appropriate for stage of development.
  • Serve as a key contributor to IND filings, regulatory interactions, and development strategy.
  • Oversee and manage multiple CROs supporting outsourced pharmacology, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and budget adherence.
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, fostering scientific rigor, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Present program strategy, data, and recommendations to internal and external review boards, and maintain close, ongoing communication with executive leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Provide scientific input to portfolio strategy, program reviews, and senior leadership decision-making.
  • Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • PhD. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell Biology or a closely related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry setting.
  • Demonstrated success advancing both small molecules and biologics through discovery, IND-enabling studies, and early clinical development.
  • Extensive hands-on and leadership experience in in vivo pharmacology, efficacy models, toxicology, and ADME/PK.
  • Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and manage complex programs in a fast-paced R&D environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of GLP and GMP regulations and their application to preclinical and early clinical drug development.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory expectations for preclinical development and IND submission.
  • Proven experience managing multiple CROs and outsourced pharmacology programs.
  • Excellent scientific judgment, communication skills, and ability to influence across functions.
  • Prior experience in a senior leadership or executive-level role strongly preferred.
  • This position requires full-time, on-site presence at Calibr-Skaggs.
  • Ability to lead, inspire, and manage a large organization while maintaining hands-on scientific engagement.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • Eligible for both Short-Term (STIP) and Long-Term (LTIP) Incentive Bonus programs, offering a highly competitive total rewards package.
  • Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
  • Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
  • Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
  • Free, on-site parking

COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $303,600 TO $322,000/annually per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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