Head of Preclinical Development

Barrington James is supporting an emerging biotechnology company that is looking to appoint a senior preclinical development leader to support the progression of antibody-based therapeutic programmes towards clinical development.

This is a hands-on strategic role for someone with strong in vivo pharmacology and preclinical development experience, who can help shape the right study strategy from early proof-of-concept through IND/CTA-enabling activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preclinical strategy across early-stage antibody therapeutic programmes.
• Design, oversee and interpret in vivo pharmacology, PK/PD, toxicology and safety studies.
• Provide input on disease model selection, species relevance, endpoints, dose rationale and translational value
• Manage outsourced studies with CROs, consultants and external study directors
• Interpret complex in vivo and toxicology data, identifying key risks, limitations and next steps
• Work cross-functionally with discovery, translational, CMC, regulatory and clinical stakeholders
• Support candidate selection and IND/CTA-enabling documentation

Experience Required

• Strong background in in vivo pharmacology, preclinical development or nonclinical strategy
• Experience progressing antibody-based, biologic or complex therapeutic programmes towards IND/CTA or early clinical development
• Strong understanding of animal model selection, pharmacology study design, PK/PD, toxicology and translational interpretation
• Experience managing external CROs and outsourced in vivo studies
• Ability to challenge study design, interpret complex data and translate findings into clear development recommendations.