We’re partnering with a biotech who are looking for someone to lead preclinical development across a small molecule portfolio, taking programs from late discovery through to IND-enabling and into Phase 1 readiness. This is a hands-on leadership role with real ownership across strategy, delivery, and decision-making.
What you’ll be doing
- Work closely with discovery teams to help select and progress the right drug candidates
- Design and lead the full preclinical development strategy (toxicology, safety pharmacology, DMPK)
- Deliver IND-enabling packages to support entry into the clinic
- Manage and oversee CROs and external partners
- Collaborate with CMC teams to ensure materials and formulations are ready for studies
- Own timelines, budgets, and overall delivery
- Contribute to portfolio decisions and governance
- Support partnering and due diligence where needed
What they’re looking for
- Strong experience in preclinical development for small molecules
- Proven track record delivering IND-enabling programs
- Solid background in toxicology and safety pharmacology
- Comfortable leading cross-functional teams across discovery, DMPK, CMC and regulatory
- Experience working with CROs in an outsourced model
- Able to operate in a fast-paced, lean biotech environment
Why this role
- High level of ownership and visibility
- Opportunity to directly impact which assets move into the clinic
- Work across a fully integrated drug discovery and development team
- Play a key role in shaping the preclinical function and strategy