VP, Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology

rigel; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 306,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Equity incentive awards

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Rigel Pharmaceuticals seeks a Senior VP to lead Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, uniting translational science, PK/PD, DMPK, bioanalysis, toxicology, and biomarkers across the portfolio. You will report to the CMO, shaping strategy from IND-enabling studies through clinical development and regulatory filings.

This role requires building a high-performing team, directing external collaborations, and communicating complex data to executives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, drug metabolism, toxicology, translational medicine.
• 15+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience with senior leadership in development.
• Expertise in clinical pharmacology, PK/PD, ADME, DDIs, exposure–response.
• Experience linking preclinical pharmacology to clinical strategies and IND-enabling activities.
• Biomarker strategy and assay development experience.
• Regulatory submissions and health authority interactions knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality work.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and executive communication.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead integrated translational medicine and clinical pharmacology strategy across the portfolio.
• Lead PK/PD, ADME, DDIs and dose-optimization studies; characterise dose, safety and efficacy.
• Oversee DMPK activities supporting discovery, development, IND/enabling and regulatory filings.
• Integrate translational and quantitative pharmacology approaches to inform first-in-human strategy and dose justification.
• Develop translational and biomarker strategies to support indication selection and patient enrichment.
• Collaborate with Research, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and other functions to translate preclinical data into development plans.
• Provide scientific leadership for study protocols, CTAs/INDs, and regulatory submissions.
• Represent function in FDA interactions and ensure regulatory compliance and scientific standards.
• Build and lead a high-performing team; manage budgets and external partners.

Skills

Strategic translational medicine

Clinical pharmacology

DMPK

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics

Biomarker strategy

Regulatory submissions

Leadership

Education

PhD or PharmD or MD

Job description

Rigel Pharmaceuticals seeks a Senior VP to lead Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, uniting translational science, PK/PD, DMPK, bioanalysis, toxicology, and biomarkers across the portfolio. You will report to the CMO, shaping strategy from IND-enabling studies through clinical development and regulatory filings.

This role requires building a high-performing team, directing external collaborations, and communicating complex data to executives.