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Preclinical Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Biologist

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

Support the discovery and preclinical development of innovative cancer therapeutics using diverse modalities, including smallโ€‘molecule inhibitors, targeted degraders, and biologics. * Provide ...

Project Manager R&D

Jersey City, NJ ยท Hybrid

$125K - $150K/yr

Project Manager, R&D Company is seeking an experienced Project Manager, R&D, (hybrid Jersey City ... The primary focus of the role will be outsourced preclinical studies, including pharmacology ...

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How much do preclinical development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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 is preclinical development?

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 drugโ€™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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in preclinical development, 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.

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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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,045 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Chemical Development

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Vividion Therapeutics, Inc
Manufacturingย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$165K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Description:

Company Overview:


Vividion is a next generation biotechnology company based in San Diego that is leveraging its proprietary chemical proteomics platform to conduct proteome-wide footprinting of drug-protein interactions with unprecedented breadth and precision. Our technology allows us to screen, identify and optimize novel drugs that selectively bind virtually any protein, including proteins previously considered “undruggable”. Our pipeline and emerging programs reflect a matured and productive platform capable of delivering first in class drugs utilizing novel mechanisms of action (allosteric inhibitors, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, functional activators, degraders etc.) against undruggable targets in the oncology and immunology space.


We prize scientific excellence, creativity, team players and we are committed to continued innovation. We have worked hard to create a collaborative and dynamic work culture where your ideas and discoveries are valued and will have an impact. We are growing and there are opportunities for mentorship and career progression.


Vividion has been recognized as a Top Workplace by The San Diego Union-Tribune from 2022 to 2025.


Job Summary:


The Principal Scientist, Chemical Development will successfully develop robust synthetic processes and deliver non-GMP & GMP material on multi-kilogram scale in a safe, environmentally conscious, and efficient manner. This individual will be responsible for implementing strategies to progress compounds from preclinical development through proof-of-concept with specific focus on delivering drug substance to support preclinical and clinical needs for all Vividion small molecule programs.

Requirements:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead a team of external scientist(s) to conduct synthetic route scalability assessment, route scouting (as necessary), route selection, and route optimization to deliver non-GMP & GMP API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) on multi-kilogram scale.
  • Proactively work with CDMO partners to manage process development and manufacturing of intermediates and API; management of API/retain inventory.
  • Represent Drug Substance Development on research core teams and CMC subteams.
  • Responsible for phase appropriate synthetic route design and implementation of control strategies for regulatory starting materials and API.
  • Lead fate and purge studies and genotoxic impurity evaluation.
  • Lead technical transfers of intermediate/API processes and support external manufacturing activities by acting as PIP (person in plant).
  • Work cross-functionally to communicate Drug Substance Development timelines/objectives.
  • Contribute to quarterly updates of Drug Substance Development budget & resource allocation.
  • Author and review the relevant CMC sections for US and ex-US regulatory filings.
  • Work with quality assurance (QA) to manage the external manufacture and release of GMP drug substance and resolve technical issues or deviations.
  • Review and approve master batch records, validation protocols/reports, and specifications required for drug substance manufacturing, as well as author development reports.
  • Monitor compounds in preclinical development and develop synthetic routes to key cores for advanced leads. 
  • Work with Medicinal Chemistry, Preformulation Sciences, Analytical Development, and Drug Product Development to ensure that synthetic route, final solid form, and compound properties are suitable for development.
  • Support API manufacturing process tech transfer prior to proof-of-concept.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Ph.D. with 6+ years of experience or BS/MS with 10+ years of experience in organic chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences or closely related discipline with relevant small molecule development experience.
  • Knowledge and implementation of ICH Guidelines and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
  • Knowledge of API solid state properties and the potential impact to drug product manufacturing and performance.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects spanning all phases of development and rapidly adapt to changing program needs.
  • Strong track record in process chemistry development, CDMO management and multi-kilogram scale manufacturing.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize tasks to achieve deadlines.

Pay & Benefits:


The anticipated base salary for this position ranges from $165,000 to $185,000 depending on relevant skills, competencies, experience, and education. In addition, this position is eligible for target bonus, long-term-incentives, 401k retirement savings plan with company match, and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. 


EEO & Employment Eligibility:


Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.


Privacy Policy:


The protection of your personal information is a commitment we take seriously. For information regarding our Privacy Policy (CA candidates) please visit https://vividion.com/privacy-notice/.