Head- Preclinical R&D

Michael Page; New Delhi; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Head - Preclinical R&D to lead the development of innovative medicines in New Delhi, India. This strategic role requires 13+ years of experience, a PhD, and expertise in preclinical development to drive projects from discovery through to IND readiness.

The position offers a rare chance to build a preclinical function and engage in scientific leadership and decision-making in a dynamic, innovation-led environment.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of post-PhD experience in pharma.
• Strong experience in diverse preclinical development.
• Proven track record of advancing programs to IND/Phase I.

Responsibilities

• Drive preclinical development of innovative medicines.
• Oversee biology, toxicology, and regulatory submissions.
• Lead compound screening and external partnership management.

Skills

Leadership

Preclinical development

Regulatory submissions

Biology expertise

Toxicology expertise

Education

PhD

Job description

• Leadership Opportunity
• Leading Pharma MNC

About Our Client

Our client is a large pharma MNC.

Job Description

The key responsibilities include:

1. This is a strategic and scientific leadership role responsible for driving preclinical development of innovative medicines/ NCEs from early discovery through IND-enabling studies to Phase I readiness.
2. The role involves overseeing biology, toxicology, and translational studies, while ensuring robust data generation for regulatory submissions.
3. The incumbent will lead compound screening, in vitro/in vivo studies, and regulatory toxicology, while acting as a critical bridge between discovery and clinical development.
4. The role also includes in-licensing due diligence, external partnership management, and building a scalable preclinical function from the ground up.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Head - Preclinical R&D should have:

• 13+ years of post PhD experience
• Strong experience in preclinical development for innovative molecules/ NCE across diverse portfolios such as oncology, immunotherapy, metabolic, vaccines, hematology, or women's health
• Proven track record of taking programs from discovery to IND / Phase I readiness.
• Deep expertise in biology, toxicology, and preclinical efficacy models.
• Hands-on experience with IND/CTA submissions and regulatory interactions
• Exposure to small and large molecules preferred

What's on Offer

This role offers a rare opportunity to build and lead the preclinical function in a high-impact leadership position, with direct ownership of advancing innovative/NCE pipelines to IND and early clinical stages. The candidate will gain strategic exposure across scientific decision-making, in-licensing, and global collaborations, while working at the intersection of science and leadership in a fast-growing, innovation-led environment.