Executive Director, Process Chemistry
About The Position
As Executive Director of Process Chemistry, you will be the enterprise leader for Praxis’ drug substance strategy across our full portfolio, spanning small molecules and oligonucleotides. You’ll set the vision and execution path for API development from early-stage clinical through global commercialization—aligning scientific innovation, regulatory foresight, and supply chain scalability to deliver high-impact therapies with speed and rigor. Operating as a key architect of our CMC strategy, you’ll integrate deeply with Research, Development, Manufacturing, and Commercial to ensure seamless translation from bench to bedside. This is a mission-critical role for a bold and visionary leader committed to accelerating patient impact.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.
- 12+ years of progressive leadership in process development and CMC strategy, with deep expertise in both early-stage and late-stage development.
- Proven track record of leading API development and scale-up through global regulatory submissions and commercial launch.
- Deep technical knowledge spanning small molecules and oligonucleotides, with fluency in emerging manufacturing technologies.
- Strong leadership in global vendor and alliance management, with a history of building and sustaining high-functioning external networks.
- Strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to drive clarity in complexity.
- Operates with urgency, scientific rigor, and enterprise thinking to enable bold patient impact.
Responsibilities
- Own and drive the global API strategy across Praxis’ portfolio, ensuring scientific excellence, regulatory alignment, and supply chain scalability from IND through commercial launch.
- Lead the design, development, and industrialization of robust, phase-appropriate drug substance processes—championing modern technologies such as continuous flow, biocatalysis, and digital process design.
- Act as a thought leader and decision-maker in CMC governance forums, ensuring tight alignment between drug substance strategy and broader program objectives.
- Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary ecosystem of internal talent and external partners (CROs/CDMOs), holding to the highest standards of execution, accountability, and innovation.
- Define and execute vendor strategy, including partner selection, technical oversight, contract negotiation, and performance governance.
- Ensure seamless integration with Analytical, Formulations, Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical Supply—driving unified CMC plans that anticipate risk and accelerate timelines.
- Represent Praxis externally with regulators, partners, and scientific communities—contributing to our reputation as a science-driven, execution-focused innovator in CNS therapeutics.
Benefits
- 99% of the premium paid for medical, dental and vision plans.
- company-paid life insurance, AD&D, disability benefits, and voluntary plans to personalize your coverage
- dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% on eligible 401(k) contributions
- long-term stock incentives and ESPP
- discretionary quarterly bonus
- extremely flexible wellness benefit
- generous PTO, paid holidays and company-wide shutdowns
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
