Vice President, Preclinical Development

Description

ABOUT US: Cali
-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Cali
-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Our portfolio spans cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Preclinical Development

POSITION SUMMARY:

Cali
-Skaggs is seeking an accomplished and strategic Vice President of Preclinical Development to lead and integrate in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK across research and development programs. This individual will play a critical leadership role in advancing early-stage, novel therapeutic candidates from discovery through IND filing and into early clinical development.

The successful candidate will bring deep scientific expertise, strong people leadership, and a proven track record of translational success in both small molecule and biologics drug development. This is a senior, on-site leadership role responsible for guiding multidisciplinary teams and shaping Cali
-Skagg's pharmacology strategy across multiple programs.

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for all in vivo pharmacology, efficacy, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities.
• Lead pharmacology efforts across the full R&D continuum, from target validation and lead optimization through IND-enabling studies and early clinical development.
• Design, interpret, and integrate pharmacology and toxicology data to inform candidate selection, dose selection, and clinical translation.
• Partner closely with chemistry, biology, DMPK, CMC, regulatory, and clinical teams to ensure cohesive and efficient program advancement.
• Ensure key activities are conducted in compliance with GLP and GMP regulations, as appropriate for stage of development.
• Serve as a key contributor to IND filings, regulatory interactions, and development strategy.
• Oversee and manage multiple CROs supporting outsourced pharmacology, toxicology, and ADME/PK activities, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and budget adherence.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, fostering scientific rigor, collaboration, and accountability.
• Establish best practices, workflows, and external partnerships to support program execution and portfolio advancement.
• Present program strategy, data, and recommendations to internal and external review boards, and maintain close, ongoing communication with executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Provide scientific input to portfolio strategy, program reviews, and senior leadership decision-making.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell Biology or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry setting.
• Demonstrated success advancing both small molecules and biologics through discovery, IND-enabling studies, and early clinical development.
• Extensive hands-on and leadership experience in in vivo pharmacology, efficacy models, toxicology, and ADME/PK.
• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and manage complex programs in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong working knowledge of GLP and GMP regulations and their application to preclinical and early clinical drug development.
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations for preclinical development and IND submission.
• Proven experience managing multiple CROs and outsourced pharmacology programs.
• Excellent scientific judgment, communication skills, and ability to influence across functions.
• Prior experience in a senior leadership or executive-level role strongly preferred.
• This position requires full-time, on-site presence at Cali
  -Skaggs.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and manage a large organization while maintaining hands-on scientific engagement.

• Eligible for both Short Term (STIP) and Long Term (LTIP) Incentive Bonus programs, offering a highly competitive total rewards package.
• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b).
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free,…