Vice President of Toxicology

Kelly; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer‑contributed retirement plans

Health and welfare benefits

Flexible spending accounts

Generous vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Vice President of Preclinical and Clinical Development for a leading nonprofit translational research institute in San Diego, CA. This on‑site role drives strategy and execution across preclinical and early clinical programs, bringing IND‑enabling packages from discovery to first‑in‑human trials.

You will lead in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, ADME/PK, and collaborate across chemistry, biology, regulatory, and clinical teams, ensuring GLP/GMP

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• Proven success advancing both small molecules and biologics through preclinical development, IND‑enabling studies, and early clinical trials.
• Deep hands‑on and leadership experience with in vivo pharmacology, efficacy models, toxicology, and ADME/PK.
• Expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex portfolios in a fast‑paced R&D setting.
• Strong knowledge of GLP/GMP regulations and regulatory expectations for IND submissions.
• Extensive experience with CRO management and outsourced research.
• Exceptional scientific judgment, communication, and cross‑functional influence.
• Previous senior leadership or executive experience preferred.
• Full‑time, on‑site presence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific and strategic direction for all preclinical pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities.
• Oversee integration of preclinical data to drive lead optimization and translation to clinical development.
• Collaborate with chemistry, biology, regulatory, and clinical teams to advance programs.
• Ensure GLP/GMP compliance and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and present IND filings and manage regulatory interactions.
• Manage relationships with CROs to maintain scientific and operational excellence.
• Mentor and grow high‑performing teams and drive accountability.
• Communicate strategies and results to leadership and review boards.
• Inform portfolio strategy and program reviews with data‑driven insights.

Skills

In vivo pharmacology

IND preparation

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory knowledge

GLP/GMP compliance

Education

PhD in Pharmacology or related

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Vice President of Preclinical and Clinical Development opportunity with one of our clients, a leading non‑profit translational research institute in San Diego, CA. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting‑edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology industry.

Position Title: Vice President, Preclinical and Clinical Development

Salary range: 300,000-320,000/year

Are you ready to shape the future of medicine at the intersection of world‑class biomedical science and breakthrough innovation? Join a cutting‑edge nonprofit translational research institute driven to accelerate new drug development and transform patient outcomes, spanning a diverse range of human diseases.

Position Summary

We seek an accomplished and visionary Vice President of Preclinical & Clinical Development to drive strategy and execution across the full continuum of preclinical drug development. This senior, on‑site executive will provide scientific and operational leadership for in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK, bringing early‑stage therapeutic candidates from discovery through IND filing and into early clinical trials.

This is a rare opportunity to lead talented, cross‑functional teams in both small molecule and biologics programs, with responsibility for guiding foundational research, developing robust IND‑enabling packages, and shaping drug development strategy for a dynamic, high‑impact portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific and strategic direction for all preclinical pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities.
• Oversee the integration of preclinical data to drive lead optimization, candidate selection, dose determination, and seamless clinical translation.
• Champion multidisciplinary program advancement by collaborating with chemistry, biology, DMPK, CMC, regulatory, and clinical teams.
• Ensure compliance with GLP standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and present IND filings, manage regulatory interactions, and contribute meaningfully to development strategy.
• Manage and optimize relationships with CROs, ensuring scientific excellence and operational efficiency across outsourced programs.
• Build, mentor, and inspire high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and accountability.
• Communicate program strategies, results, and recommendations to stakeholders, leadership, and external review boards.
• Provide insightful input to portfolio strategy, program reviews, and key organizational decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• Proven success advancing both small molecules and biologics through preclinical development, IND‑enabling studies, and early clinical trials.
• Deep hands‑on and leadership experience with in vivo pharmacology, efficacy models, toxicology, and ADME/PK.
• Expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex portfolios in a fast‑paced R&D setting.
• Strong knowledge of GLP/GMP regulations and regulatory expectations for IND submissions.
• Extensive experience with CRO management and outsourced research.
• Exceptional scientific judgment, communication, and cross‑functional influence.
• Previous senior leadership or executive experience preferred.
• Full‑time, on‑site presence required.
• Ability to lead large organizations while maintaining hands‑on scientific engagement.
• Highly competitive compensation, including eligibility for both short‑term and long‑term incentive bonus programs.
• Employer‑contributed retirement plans with optional 403(b) contributions.
• Robust health and welfare benefits, including multiple medical plan options, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and EAP.
• Flexible spending account options (medical/dependent care).
• Generous vacation and sick leave policies.