VICE PRESIDENT, PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT

Scripps Research • San Diego, CA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, a division of Scripps Research, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Vice President of Preclinical Development. This role is critical for leading and integrating in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK across research and development programs. The successful candidate will advance early-stage, novel therapeutic candidates from discovery through IND filing and into early clinical development. This senior, on-site leadership role requires deep scientific expertise, strong people leadership, and a proven track record of translational success in both small molecule and biologics drug development. The individual will guide multidisciplinary teams and shape Calibr-Skaggs' pharmacology strategy across multiple programs.

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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a senior leadership or executive-level role strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 and GMP regulations, 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.
• Establish best practices, workflows, and external partnerships to support program execution and portfolio advancement.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree