Head of Preclinical Development

We’re partnering with a biotech who are looking for someone to lead preclinical development across a small molecule portfolio, taking programs from late discovery through to IND-enabling and into Phase 1 readiness. This is a hands-on leadership role with real ownership across strategy, delivery, and decision-making.

Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements.

What you’ll be doing

• Work closely with discovery teams to help select and progress the right drug candidates
• Design and lead the full preclinical development strategy (toxicology, safety pharmacology, DMPK)
• Deliver IND-enabling packages to support entry into the clinic
• Manage and oversee CROs and external partners
• Collaborate with CMC teams to ensure materials and formulations are ready for studies
• Own timelines, budgets, and overall delivery
• Contribute to portfolio decisions and governance
• Support partnering and due diligence where needed

What they’re looking for

• Strong experience in preclinical development for small molecules
• Proven track record delivering IND-enabling programs
• Solid background in toxicology and safety pharmacology
• Comfortable leading cross-functional teams across discovery, DMPK, CMC and regulatory
• Experience xwzovoh working with CROs in an outsourced model
• Able to operate in a fast-paced, lean biotech environment

Why this role

• High level of ownership and visibility
• Opportunity to directly impact which assets move into the clinic
• Work across a fully integrated drug discovery and development team
• Play a key role in shaping the preclinical function and strategy