VP, Head of Preclinical Development

Location: Hybrid role based in Somerset, New Jersey, United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility is verified through E-Verify.

Base salary: $294,483–$386,511 per year. Performance-based bonus and/or equity may also be available.

Company

hirify.global is a global biotechnology company developing cell therapies for hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases, including CAR-T, TCR-T, NK-cell, and other emerging platforms.

What you will do

• Define and execute the global preclinical development strategy from candidate nomination through IND-enabling studies.
• Set scientific standards for in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, toxicology, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Lead preclinical development for lentiviral vector-based in vivo CAR-T, ex vivo cell therapies, and gene-modified immune cell platforms.
• Integrate PK, PD, safety, and biodistribution data to support clinical strategy, dose selection, regulatory submissions, and portfolio decisions.
• Own the preclinical components of IND applications, including pharmacology and toxicology summaries, study tabulations, and written nonclinical summaries.
• Build, lead, and mentor an integrated team of scientists, toxicologists, and embedded CRO personnel.

Requirements

• PhD in pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, cell biology, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 15 years of progressive preclinical drug development experience, including 5 years in a senior leadership role accountable for IND-enabling programs.
• Deep expertise in at least two of three core functions: in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, and toxicology.
• Experience designing, overseeing, and interpreting GLP toxicology studies, including repeat-dose NHP or rodent studies, safety pharmacology, and genotoxicity.
• Experience in cell therapy, gene therapy, or advanced therapy development, with a record of successful IND submissions and accountability for nonclinical sections.
• Experience managing CRO relationships and building high-performing scientific teams in a biotech environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Permanent full-time employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave after three months of employment.
• Paid vacation, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven company holidays.
• Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, disability coverage, commuter benefits, family planning resources, and well-being programs.