Senior Director, Early Phase Formulation Development

Scorpion Therapeutics; United States; On-site; USD 235,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Director of Early Phase Formulation Development to provide scientific leadership across preformulation and early-stage formulation for small molecule programs. You will drive strategies from candidate selection through IND, partnering with Research, DMPK, and CMC to progress programs and address solubility and bioavailability challenges.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 15+ years in industry, a track record from discovery to IND, and strong GMP/regulatory

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in relevant field with 15+ years of industry experience in early-stage formulation development.
• Proven track record advancing small molecule programs from discovery through IND.
• Deep knowledge of preformulation, biopharmaceutics, and oral solid dose manufacturing.
• Experience coordinating with CROs/CDMOs and ensuring GMP compliance.
• Strong scientific communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead early formulation development for preclinical and early clinical stages.
• Drive enabling formulation strategies to address solubility and bioavailability.
• Coordinate with CROs/CDMOs and provide scientific guidance.
• Develop phase-appropriate drug product strategies for preclinical/toxicology programs.
• Support regulatory strategy and contribute to IND sections.
• Establish SOPs and experimental frameworks; manage outsourcing.

Skills

Small molecule formulation leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Regulatory coordination

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemical Engineering (or related)

Job description

How you’ll make an impact:

The Senior Director of Early Phase Formulation Development will provide scientific leadership for preformulation and early stage formulation activities across the small molecule portfolio, driving enabling formulation strategies from candidate selection through early clinical development to address drug delivery and bioavailability challenges. Partners with Research, DMPK, and CMC to advance programs through IND and into early-stage clinical studies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead early formulation development (preformulation characterization, enabling formulation strategies, drug product design) for preclinical and early clinical stages
• Apply expertise in preformulation, biopharmaceutics, and enabling formulation to support candidate progression from discovery through IND
• Drive innovation in enabling formulation technologies to address solubility and bioavailability challenges
• Design and execute phase-appropriate formulation and drug product strategies for preclinical toxicology and early clinical programs
• Coordinate with external CROs and CDMOs; provide scientific/technical guidance
• Establish phase-appropriate best practices, SOPs, and experimental frameworks
• Manage outsourced activities to meet scientific quality, timelines, and objectives
• Support CMC regulatory strategy for drug product development; contribute to drug product IND sections
• Ensure compliance with applicable GMP and regulatory requirements

Skills and experience you’ll bring:

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemical Engineering (or related); 15+ years relevant industry experience focused on early-stage formulation development
• Track record advancing small molecule programs from discovery through IND and into clinical development
• Strong knowledge of preformulation, biopharmaceutics, formulation development, and oral solid dose manufacturing
• Deep expertise in enabling technologies for poorly soluble compounds
• Strong GMP and regulatory knowledge; experience coordinating with CROs/CDMOs
• Strong scientific communication and cross-functional collaboration

Compensation/Benefits:

• Anticipated base salary: $235,000–$330,000; eligibility for annual bonus, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.