Clinical Development Director

RhyGaze, AG; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

RhyGaze AG, a Basel-based biotech company, seeks a Clinical Development Director with ophthalmology and gene therapy expertise to lead clinical strategy across the ophthalmology portfolio.

The role involves designing studies, guiding regulatory submissions, and ensuring scientific rigor while coordinating with internal teams and external partners to advance cutting-edge gene therapies for serious eye diseases. Basel-based with on-site collaboration three days per week.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific or medical degree required (MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent).
• 5+ years of clinical development experience in biotech or pharma.
• Ophthalmology experience required.
• Gene therapy experience required.
• Retina experience required.
• Glaucoma experience preferred but optional.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support clinical development activities across ophthalmology programs, focusing on gene therapy programs targeting both anterior and posterior segment eye diseases.
• Contribute to clinical strategy, study design, and execution of clinical trials.
• Prepare and review key clinical and regulatory documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions.
• Provide clinical insight into patient safety, data review, and overall study conduct.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, CROs, investigators, and advisors to drive programs forward.
• Support regulatory interactions and contribute to development plans and milestones.
• Stay current on advances in ophthalmology and gene therapy to help guide program strategy.

Skills

Ophthalmology experience

Gene therapy experience

Retina experience

Clinical development

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Advanced scientific or medical degree (MD/PhD/PharmD)

Job description

RhyGaze is an innovative, growing biotech company developing next-generation therapies for serious eye diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated Clinical Development Director with expertise in ophthalmology, particularly gene therapy, to help advance our cutting-edge pipeline. Retina experience is required and additional Glaucoma experience preferred, although optional.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping clinical strategy and bringing transformative therapies to patients with significant unmet medical needs. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and is excited to work at the forefront of science and innovation.

The Director of Clinical Development is accountable for leading and supporting the clinical development strategy across the company's ophthalmology portfolio, ensuring that clinical programs are scientifically sound, operationally feasible, and aligned with organizational objectives. Reporting to the Vice President of Clinical Development, the incumbent will work with cross-functional teams and provide strategic leadership on clinical development plans, study design, endpoint selection, regulatory strategy, and key program milestones, with a focus on advancing innovative gene therapy programs for serious eye diseases.

Tasks

• Lead and support clinical development activities across ophthalmology programs, focusing on gene therapy programs targeting both anterior and posterior segment eye diseases.
• Contribute to clinical strategy, study design, and execution of clinical trials.
• Prepare and review key clinical and regulatory documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions.
• Provide clinical insight into patient safety, data review, and overall study conduct.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, CROs, investigators, and advisors to drive programs forward.
• Support regulatory interactions and contribute to development plans and milestones.
• Stay current on advances in ophthalmology and gene therapy to help guide program strategy.

Requirements

• Advanced scientific or medical degree preferred (MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of clinical development experience in biotech or pharma.
• Ophthalmology experience required.
• Gene therapy experience required.
• Retina experience required.
• Glaucoma experience preferred but optional.
• Experience preparing and reviewing a broad range of clinical and regulatory documents.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design and GCP guidelines.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
• Proven experience leading delivery through collaboration with internal organization and external vendors.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, hands-on biotech environment.

Benefits

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to help develop breakthrough therapies for patients with serious vision-threatening diseases.
• Work alongside a passionate, highly experienced team at the forefront of ophthalmology innovation.
• Meaningful impact in a growing biotech company.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where science and innovation drive decision-making.

The position is based in Basel, Switzerland. Candidates are expected to be 3 days per week onsite. As part of an international team, the working language is English; hence, strong written and spoken English skills are essential.

Candidate needs to hold a Swiss working permit or be an EU citizen eligible to work in Switzerland.