Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences; Drug Delivery

Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Delivery)

Irvine, California, United States

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Associate Director will lead and execute innovative drug delivery and formulation strategies to support pre‑IND product development, candidate selection, and novel delivery platform advancement. The incumbent will drive scientific and technical direction for formulation and delivery approaches across modalities, strengthen the company’s IP portfolio, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams—Innovation Lab, Translational Sciences, Pharmaceutical Development, Analytical Development—to enable successful transition from concept to candidate selection.

• Develop and lead delivery sciences strategy for new and emerging modalities (small molecules, biologics, peptides).
• Identify white‑space opportunities and contribute to invention disclosures and patent strategy in partnership with IP counsel.
• Evaluate competitive landscape and emerging delivery technologies to inform internal innovation strategy.
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory results to optimize novel drug delivery systems and define data‑driven next steps.
• Generate formulation and delivery approaches to enable pre‑clinical animal models.
• Interpret in‑vitro and in‑vivo data (PK/PD, bio‑distribution, tolerability) with the Translational Sciences team to refine and prioritize delivery strategies.
• Represent delivery sciences in program governance and external partnerships.
• Serve as scientific lead for external CRO partnerships.
• Plan and manage R&D project budgets.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in drug delivery and development of novel delivery platforms from concept through pre‑clinical validation.
• Experience managing CROs and external research collaborations.
• Strong experimental design, data interpretation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Track record of platform innovation and contribution to patents in drug delivery.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in cross‑functional project leadership.
• Demonstrates strong decision‑making, collaboration, team building, and outcome‑driven focus.

• Position located in the Irvine office with hybrid work environment; onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals.
• Some travel may be required—up to 20 %.

Base salary range: $150,000 – $210,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and support for work‑life balance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants are encouraged to voluntarily disclose disability status to help us meet federal goals for workforce diversity. Your information will remain confidential and will not be used in any hiring decision.