Role Overview for VP of Clinical Development – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in life sciences, is actively seeking a visionary and accomplished Vice President of Clinical Development for an innovative, rapidly growing biotechnology client located in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. This is a pivotal leadership role within a company dedicated to transforming patient lives through groundbreaking science and novel therapeutic approaches, particularly within the challenging and rewarding field of oncology.
Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation therapies, boasting a robust pipeline that spans early-stage discovery to late-stage clinical trials. As the VP of Clinical Development, you will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction and execution of their clinical programs, ensuring scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, the successful delivery of life-changing treatments to patients. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a profound impact, working alongside a team of world-class scientists and industry veterans in a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
The successful candidate will be a board-certified physician with extensive experience in clinical development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. You will possess a deep understanding of the entire drug development lifecycle, from preclinical research translation to post-marketing surveillance. This position demands a leader who can not only set a compelling vision but also inspire and guide a high-performing team through the complexities of clinical research, regulatory landscapes, and scientific innovation. If you are passionate about advancing medical science and possess the leadership acumen to drive clinical excellence, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Clinical Development – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Strategic Clinical Program Leadership
Define and execute the overall clinical development strategy for assigned therapeutic programs, primarily focusing on oncology. This includes developing comprehensive clinical development plans (CDPs) that align with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, and scientific advancements. Provide strategic input on portfolio prioritization, go/no-go decisions, and resource allocation across multiple clinical programs.
Clinical Trial Design and Protocol Development
Lead the design of scientifically sound, ethically compliant, and operationally feasible clinical trials (Phases 1-3 and potentially post-marketing studies). This involves developing detailed protocols, statistical analysis plans, informed consent forms, and other essential trial documentation. Ensure protocols are designed to address key scientific questions, meet regulatory endpoints, and optimize patient safety and data integrity.
Oversight of Clinical Trial Execution
Provide medical and scientific oversight for all ongoing clinical trials. Work closely with Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Biostatistics, and Data Management teams to ensure trials are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. This includes vendor selection and management (e.g., CROs), site selection, patient recruitment strategies, and ongoing monitoring of trial progress.
Regulatory Strategy and Interactions
Develop and implement comprehensive regulatory strategies for clinical programs. Lead interactions with global regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, EMA, PMDA) regarding clinical development plans, IND/NDA/BLA submissions, clinical trial applications (CTAs), and responses to agency queries. Ensure all clinical activities adhere to local and international regulations, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
Data Interpretation, Analysis, and Reporting
Oversee the medical review, interpretation, and analysis of clinical trial data, including safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data. Collaborate with biostatisticians and data scientists to ensure robust statistical analyses. Lead the preparation of clinical study reports (CSRs), investigator brochures (IBs), and other regulatory documents.
Safety Surveillance and Pharmacovigilance
Establish and maintain robust pharmacovigilance processes to ensure the ongoing safety monitoring of patients in clinical trials. Oversee the assessment and reporting of adverse events, serious adverse events, and other safety signals. Collaborate with the Drug Safety team to ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory bodies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership
Foster strong collaboration across various internal departments, including Research, Translational Medicine, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Commercial, and Legal. Act as a key medical and scientific expert, providing guidance and insights to support corporate decision-making and business development initiatives.
Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of clinical scientists and medical directors. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. Provide ongoing feedback, performance management, and career development opportunities for team members.
Scientific Communication and External Engagement
Represent the company at scientific conferences, advisory boards, and investigator meetings. Prepare and present clinical data to internal and external stakeholders, including key opinion leaders (KOLs), investors, and scientific communities. Drive the publication strategy for clinical trial results in peer-reviewed journals.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the clinical development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet program milestones and objectives. Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
Requirements for the VP of Clinical Development – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Education
M.D. required; M.D./Ph.D. preferred. Board Certification in a relevant medical specialty (e.g., Internal Medicine, Oncology, Hematology) is highly desirable.
Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in clinical development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a significant focus on oncology.
Leadership Experience
At least 5-7 years of leadership experience, including direct management of clinical development teams and oversight of multiple clinical programs. Proven ability to build, motivate, and manage high-performing teams.
Therapeutic Area Expertise
Deep scientific and clinical expertise in oncology is essential. Experience across various modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, cell therapies, ADCs) and disease indications within oncology is highly valued.
Drug Development Lifecycle
Comprehensive understanding of the entire drug development process, from preclinical translation through all phases of clinical trials (Phase 1, 2, 3) and regulatory submissions (IND, NDA/BLA).
Regulatory Acumen
Strong knowledge of global regulatory requirements and guidelines, including FDA, EMA, and ICH GCP. Demonstrated experience in leading successful regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities.
Scientific Rigor
Exceptional scientific acumen, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze complex data, draw appropriate conclusions, and translate scientific findings into actionable clinical strategies.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and medical information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, scientific experts, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.
Strategic Thinking
Proven ability to develop and implement innovative clinical development strategies, anticipate challenges, and adapt plans to evolving scientific and regulatory landscapes.
Collaboration and Influence
Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. A collaborative leader who can influence without direct authority and drive consensus across cross-functional teams.
Adaptability
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial biotechnology environment. Comfortable navigating ambiguity and making timely, data-driven decisions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client recognizes that attracting and retaining top talent is crucial to their success. As such, they offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to reward experience, performance, and leadership impact. This includes a robust base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial equity package, reflecting your direct contribution to the company’s growth and success.
Beyond financial compensation, the comprehensive benefits program is designed to support your overall well-being and professional development. This includes:
Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company. Access to wellness programs and resources.
Financial Security
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match, ensuring your long-term financial health. Life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage.
Work-Life Balance
Ample paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and company-observed holidays, promoting a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
Significant investment in your professional development through continuing medical education (CME) allowances, conference attendance, leadership training programs, and opportunities for scientific publication and presentation.
Dynamic Work Environment
Work in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area’s biotech hub. Enjoy a collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating culture where your contributions are highly valued.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to lead programs that have a direct and profound impact on patients suffering from serious diseases, bringing novel therapies from concept to reality.
Additional Perks
On-site amenities (e.g., fitness center, catered lunches, commuter benefits) may be available, contributing to a comfortable and productive work experience.
How to Apply
If you are a highly motivated and experienced clinical development leader ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role with a pioneering biotechnology company, we encourage you to apply. This search is being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners, experts in identifying and placing top-tier talent in the life sciences industry.
To express your interest and be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your comprehensive resume or CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial confidential discussion.
Apply Now: Please send your application materials directly to our dedicated recruiting team via our website’s Life Sciences Executive Search Experts page, or email directly to apply@jrgpartners.com with the subject line ‘VP Clinical Development – SF Bay Area’. We look forward to hearing from you.
