Associate Director, Clinical Development - Neurology

Ionis-Pharmaceuticals; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 168,820 - 250,502; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is seeking an Associate Director for Clinical Development in Neurology. You will provide leadership for clinical development plans, lead key studies, and contribute to regulatory submissions across neurology-focused assets, including rare diseases.

The role supports onsite, remote, or hybrid work arrangements with periodic travel. The position emphasizes experience in neurology, rare diseases, and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong emphasis on data

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or PharmD with 5+ years of pharma/biotech experience in clinical development.
• Experience in neurology, rare diseases, and/or pediatrics is highly desirable.
• Significant experience with cross-functional collaboration and regulatory interactions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the clinical lead for assigned studies and support high-priority Phase 3 programs.
• Lead the writing and review of key clinical documents for regulatory submissions (e.g., CSR, protocols, INDs).
• Engage with investigators, regulators, and key opinion leaders to inform development plans and trial designs.
• Provide guidance and training for external personnel involved in Ionis clinical studies.
• Maintain up-to-date expertise by reviewing literature and attending scientific meetings.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Time management

Education

PhD, MD or PharmD

Tools

Elluminate

Job description

Associate Director, Clinical Development - Neurology

Job Category: Development - Ionis

Requisition Number: IONIS004080

• Posted : July 24, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT - NEUROLOGY

SUMMARY:

The Associate Director, Clinical Development – Neurology provides clinical development leadership and scientific expertise to one or more project teams, supporting the successful design and execution of development plans for Ionis’ investigational assets. Near‑term responsibilities focus on leading key aspects of Ionis‑sponsored clinical trials, clinical data analysis and interpretation, communication of project information and risks, and contributions to regulatory submissions, publications, and presentations. Over time, the role may have opportunities to contribute to broader clinical development strategy and clinical trial design.

This position sits within the neurology franchise (including rare diseases). The primary focus will be neurology, including neuromuscular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare pediatric neurogenetic disorders. This position can be fully onsite, remote, or hybrid. For remote employees, periodic travel to Ionis’ headquarters in Carlsbad is expected, approximately once per quarter.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the clinical lead for assigned studies, representing Clinical Development in internal and external interactions and helping ensure successful execution of a high‑priority Phase 3 program by:
• Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with investigators and clinical trial teams
• Delivering high‑quality scientific presentations on company technology, investigational agents, and clinical study issues to investigators and site staff
• Providing guidance and/or training for external personnel involved in Ionis clinical studies
• Performing ongoing review of clinical study data and operational progress
• Identifying emerging risks and partnering with the project team to proactively manage and mitigate them
• Lead and/or contribute to the writing and review of key clinical documents for regulatory submissions (e.g., study protocols, Investigator’s Brochures, IND submissions, Clinical Study Reports).
• Engage internal and external stakeholders (e.g., key opinion leaders, advocacy organizations, regulators) to obtain advice and feedback that informs development plans, trial designs, and study results.
• Communicate project information – including study progress, risks, plans, and recommendations – clearly to project teams and Ionis leadership.
• Lead and/or contribute to analysis of clinical trial data and the preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations.
• Maintain up‑to‑date clinical and technical expertise in the relevant therapeutic areas by reviewing scientific literature, attending key scientific and technical meetings, and partnering with internal medical, research, and commercial teams.
• Contribute to broader department and corporate objectives, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The successful candidate is self-driven and effective both as an individual contributor and a flexible team player. They anticipate and identify risks/problems and excel at problem-solving. They bring a practical, hands‑on, “can‑do” and time‑conscious approach, motivated by doing the things today that will deliver transformative treatments to patients with high unmet need tomorrow.
• PhD, MD or PharmD with 5+ years of pharma/biotech experience in clinical development
• Experience in neurology, rare diseases, and/or pediatrics is highly desirable
• Significant experience with cross‑functional collaboration (e.g., clinical operations, regulatory, stats, data management)
• Experience with protocol/protocol amendment writing and CSR writing
• Experience authoring and/or leading Clinical Study Report (CSR) development. Experience contributing to NDA filings is highly desirable
• Experience leading cross‑functional data reviews, experience with elluminate is preferred
• Experience supporting FDA Pre‑Approval and BIMO inspections is highly desirable
• Experience managing vendors/committees (e.g., DSMBs) is highly desirable
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to flexibly relate to diverse internal and external stakeholders and to build strong, positive relationships across development, research, commercial, and senior leadership
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, innovative environment
• Strong attention to detail and quality combined with the ability to make timely decisions and drive execution
• Willingness to engage in thoughtful, interrogative debate around key issues and, when appropriate, to constructively challenge the status quo

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package!

The pay scale for this position is $168,820 to $250,502

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.