POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Preclinical Development
POSITION SUMMARY:Calibr-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 Calibr-Skaggs' pharmacology strategy across multiple programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:- 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.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS: - 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 Calibr-Skaggs.
- Ability to lead, inspire, and manage a large organization while maintaining hands-on scientific engagement.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE: - 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) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- 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, on-site parking
COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $303,600 TO $322,000/annually per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
