Executive Director, Clinical Lead/Asset Lead, Early Development – MD

Syndax Pharmaceuticals•New York, NY

12d•$390,000 - $420,000•Remote

About The Position

Syndax Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Executive Director, Clinical Lead / Asset Lead, Early Development - MD to provide integrated clinical and program leadership for a promising oncology asset advancing toward IND next year. This is a dual-role position in which the individual will serve as both the clinical lead and interim asset lead during the formative stages of development. The successful candidate will be accountable for the overall asset strategy including longer term vision, as well as designing and executing the clinical development strategy and advancing the program from pre-IND through Phase 1-2 development. The role requires a highly strategic and collaborative leader who can integrate scientific, clinical, regulatory, operational, and commercial perspectives to maximize asset value and enable rapid, effective decision-making. This individual will work closely with senior leadership and represent the program across the organization.

Requirements

MD required; Hematology/Oncology specialization and/or clinical experience in that area strongly preferred.
8+ years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience leading oncology clinical development programs.
Demonstrated experience advancing programs through pre-IND, IND submission, and Phase 1 clinical development.
Proven success leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic decisions in a matrix environment.
Strong understanding of oncology drug development, translational medicine, regulatory strategy, and early clinical study execution.
Experience designing and interpreting first-in-human and dose expansion studies.
Ability to integrate scientific, clinical, operational, and business considerations into development strategy.
Strong communication and executive presence, with experience presenting to governance committees, senior leadership, investigators, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Prior asset leadership experience is a plus but not required.
Experience in later-stage development, including global pivotal strategy is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead development of the overall clinical strategy and clinical development plan for the asset from pre-IND through early clinical development.
Provide medical and scientific leadership for IND-enabling activities, regulatory interactions, first-in-human study design, dose escalation strategy, and expansion cohort planning.
Chair and lead the Clinical Sub-Team (CST), ensuring alignment on study objectives, timelines, execution, and data interpretation.
Drive generation of clinical evidence and translational insights needed to support key development decisions, including candidate indications, patient selection strategies, and proof-of-concept.
Represent the program in interactions with investigators, key opinion leaders, regulators, and external partners.
Lead the cross-functional Asset Strategy Team (AST), ensuring alignment on program objectives, milestones, risks, and resource requirements.
Develop and maintain an integrated asset strategy, incorporating clinical, regulatory, translational, commercial, and competitive considerations.
Facilitate cross-functional decision making, proactively identify development risks, and drive mitigation and contingency planning.
Communicate program status, key decisions, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership and governance committees.
Partner with Commercial, Regulatory, Clinical Operations, Translational Medicine, Biometrics, and Medical Affairs to define the Target Product Profile and overall value proposition.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence.
Build strong relationships across functions and effectively influence without formal authority.
Serve as a visible champion for the asset internally and externally.