Vice President, Preclinical Development

Overview

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 first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Cali
-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Cali
-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including 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,…