Vice President, Nonclinical Development

Aerial Talent; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

An emerging hub-and-spoke biotech company is seeking a VP of Nonclinical Development to lead the strategy and build the organization from the ground up. You will oversee pharmacology, toxicology, PK/PD, and safety across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas.

Reporting to the CSO and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape program evaluation and advancement to the clinic, while partnering with CROs and external partners to drive a robust pipeline.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or related discipline; DABT certification is a plus.
• 15+ years biopharmaceutical experience with leadership in small biotech/startup environments.
• Proven success advancing multiple modalities through clinical-enabling development.
• Experience with IND/CTA submissions and regulatory interactions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own nonclinical development strategy and budget across programs from lead optimization to FIH-enabling studies.
• Lead toxicology and safety programs including GLP/non-GLP studies with rigorous packages.
• Guide translational pharmacology, MOA, efficacy, and PK/PD strategies with other functions.
• Serve as senior nonclinical lead for regulatory interactions and IND/CTAs.
• Build and manage CROs, consultants, and external partners.
• Communicate nonclinical strategy to executives, investors, and external stakeholders.

Education

PhD in Pharmacology or Toxicology or Molecular/Cell Biology

Job description

An emerging "hub-and-spoke" biotech company has a newly created opportunity for a VP, Nonclinical Development to play a key role in advancing a robust pipeline of novel therapeutics across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas to the clinic. Experience with small molecules, peptides, and/or siRNA, ASOs, or other oligonucleotide-based therapeutics from lead optimization through FIH preferred.

Full-time | Direct-hire

Highlights:

• Member of the Senior Leadership Team while reporting to the CSO
• Build and lead a nonclinical development team
• Proven biotech CEO with stellar track record
• Unique "hub-and-spoke" model designed to accelerate development of new therapies
• Robust pipeline of programs across stages of development
• Programs in ophthalmology, cardiology and beyond
• ~$200M raised in recent financing

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to have a seat at the table in a scientifically driven biotech environment. The VP will influence how programs are evaluated, prioritized, and advanced toward the clinic while building the nonclinical organization from the ground up. With visibility across multiple programs, therapeutic areas, and modalities, this role offers significant scientific scope, organizational influence, and opportunity for impact.

What You'll Do

• Own nonclinical development strategy and budget across multiple programs from lead optimization through FIH-enabling studies, integrating pharmacology, toxicology, PK/PD, and safety assessment.
• Lead toxicology and safety programs, including GLP and non-GLP studies, ensuring scientifically rigorous and developmentally appropriate packages.
• Partner with Research, CMC, and Clinical Development to guide translational pharmacology, mechanism-of-action, efficacy, and PK/PD strategies and inform program advancement decisions.
• Serve as the senior nonclinical scientific lead for FDA and international regulatory interactions, including authoring and reviewing nonclinical sections of INDs, CTAs, IBs, and related regulatory documents.
• Build and manage relationships with CROs, consultants, and external scientific partners.
• Bring nonclinical expertise to portfolio prioritization, R&D governance, and investment decisions as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Clearly communicate nonclinical strategy and data to executive leadership, investors, partners, KOLs, and other external stakeholders.
• Lead the growth and development of the nonclinical organization.
• Partner across functions to ensure effective handoff of programs, data, ongoing studies, and regulatory strategy as successful programs transition into the next stage of development.

What You Bring

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a related discipline; DABT certification is a plus.
• 15+ years of biopharmaceutical experience, including meaningful leadership experience in a small biotech or startup environment.
• Proven success advancing multiple therapeutic modalities, ideally including small molecules and/or siRNA, ASOs, or other oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, through clinical-enabling development.
• Experience across multiple therapeutic areas and indications.
• Deep expertise in nonclinical drug development, including pharmacology, toxicology, PK/PD, GLP, ICH guidelines, and global regulatory expectations.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully supporting IND/CTA submissions, clinical-enabling programs, and regulatory interactions/approvals in the U.S. and internationally.

Estimated $300,000-$360,000 base salary, plus bonus and comprehensive benefits. Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

This confidential search is being conducted by Aerial Talent on behalf of an innovative biotechnology company. Qualified candidates will receive additional information during the interview process.