VP, Head of Preclinical Development (Biotech)

Location: Hybrid role based in Somerset, New Jersey, United States

Salary: $294,483–$386,511 USD base pay annually, plus performance-based bonus and/or equity for eligible employees

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-based, and other advanced therapy platforms.

What you will do

• Define and execute preclinical development strategies across pipeline programs 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 into compound narratives that support clinical strategy, dose selection, and regulatory submissions.
• 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 pharmacology scientists and toxicologists, including internal staff 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 senior leadership with direct accountability 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 assessments.
• Experience in cell therapy, gene therapy, or advanced therapy development, with a record of successful IND submissions and accountability for nonclinical sections.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility is verified through Form I-9 and E-Verify.

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, sick, floating holiday, and company holiday time.
• Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, disability coverage, family planning resources, well-being initiatives, and commuter benefits.
• Benefits are available exclusively to permanent full-time employees; contractors are not eligible.