Director, Rare Neurological Preclinical Strategy

LifeArc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions 12%

Private health insurance

31 days leave + holidays

Flexible benefits

Job summary

LifeArc seeks a Director of Preclinical Strategy and Portfolio for Rare Neurological Diseases in London, with travel to Stevenage. The role combines scientific leadership with strategic portfolio delivery in a hybrid working pattern (3 days in office).

You will lead the preclinical research strategy, oversee multiple programmes, drive milestones, and align with LifeArc’s mission to deliver patient impact. Line-manage scientists and project managers within a matrix environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading multiple drug discovery projects in pharma/biotech.
• Proven strategic leadership with prioritisation and decision-making.
• Operational knowledge of late preclinical and IND pathways.
• Line management and development of staff with measurable impact.
• Excellent stakeholder management with senior leaders and boards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate neurological disease preclinical workstreams across programmes with milestones.
• Develop and maintain programme plans with data requirements and go/no-go criteria.
• Ensure milestones delivered on time, within budget, and at high scientific quality.
• Provide expert scientific guidance to progress assets toward IND-enabling studies.

Skills

Drug discovery leadership

Strategic leadership

Biomarker development

Preclinical strategy

Education

PhD in neuroscience

Job description

LifeArc seeks a Director of Preclinical Strategy and Portfolio for Rare Neurological Diseases in London, with travel to Stevenage. The role combines scientific leadership with strategic portfolio delivery in a hybrid working pattern (3 days in office).

You will lead the preclinical research strategy, oversee multiple programmes, drive milestones, and align with LifeArc’s mission to deliver patient impact. Line-manage scientists and project managers within a matrix environment.