Vice President, Early-Stage Clinical Development
About The Position
PRIMARY ROLE Alto Neuroscience is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Vice President, Early-Stage Clinical Development. This role will lead the strategy and execution of early development activities across Altos portfolio, spanning toxicology and clinical pharmacology studies. The VP will provide both high-level scientific direction and hands-on operational oversight, ensuring that each program advances efficiently, compliantly, and with scientific rigor. This position is a critical member of Altos leadership team, driving decisions that bridge discovery science and clinical early-phase studies.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD preferred) in a relevant discipline.
- 7-10 years of experience in drug development, with deep expertise in toxicology, clinical pharmacology, and early-stage clinical strategy.
- Demonstrated success leading IND-enabling programs and early-phase clinical studies in biotech or pharma environments.
- Ability to think creatively for a non-traditional sequence of studies around nonclinical and clinical pharmacology planning.
- Strong grasp of regulatory expectations and clinical pharmacology methodologies supporting first-in-human and early proof-of-concept development.
- Proven ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in day-to-day program execution.
- Experience managing CROs and external partners, with a focus on quality, cost, and operational performance.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
- Comfort operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial organization where priorities evolve rapidly and cross-functional collaboration is essential
Responsibilities
- Define and execute integrated early development strategies that encompass nonclinical and clinical pharmacology and translational components for all pipeline assets.
- Lead the design, planning, and execution of IND-enabling and early clinical studies, ensuring scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with overall program goals.
- Partner closely with preclinical, translational/data science, clinical operations, bioanalytical, CMC, and regulatory teams to create cohesive development plans that balance risk, speed, and quality.
- Oversee vendor and CRO relationships to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality study execution.
- Provide leadership to cross-functional program teams, driving decision-making and accountability across internal and external contributors.
- Represent early development functions within the companys leadership team, contributing to portfolio strategy, program prioritization, and organizational growth.
- Serve as a scientific and operational point of contact for regulators, advisors, and external partners.
- Build and mentor a small, high-performing early development team as the portfolio scales.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards (e.g., GxP, ICH, FDA/EMA expectations) as well as Altos internal quality systems and SOPs.
Benefits
- Compensation includes a base salary, an annual target bonus, and an equity grant.
- Alto Neuroscience is an equal-opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
