Early Development Program Lead (Biopharma)

TL;DR

Early Development Program Lead (Biopharma): Serving as the scientific and operational leader for early-stage drug development programs with an accent on bridging the gap between discovery and clinical development. Focus on driving cross-functional teams from late-stage lead optimization through IND and ensuring strategic alignment and on-time delivery of milestones.

Location: Fully remote (can be performed effectively from anywhere)

Salary: $255,000–$347,500 Annual

Company

A global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases.

What you will do

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional early development project teams spanning medicinal chemistry, CMC, biology, toxicology, and regulatory functions.
• Define and oversee the scientific strategy for small molecule and ASO programs from late lead optimization up to IND.
• Establish and manage productive working relationships with CROs and CDMOs to ensure timely completion of outsourced activities.
• Integrate multi-disciplinary data to drive candidate selection decisions aligned with the Target Product Profile (TPP).
• Identify and manage key risks across scientific, CMC, and clinical domains, including mitigation and contingency planning.
• Author and review key program documents, including project charters, integrated development plans, and regulatory briefing documents.

Requirements

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Medicine, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with increasing responsibility.
• 5+ years of industry experience specifically in small molecule or oligonucleotide therapeutic discovery and development.
• Proven track record of advancing programs from lead optimization through IND and into First-in-Human (FIH).
• Experience engaging with regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) in early development settings.
• Highly effective communication skills with the ability to manage and align teams in a matrix environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including mental health support and wellbeing reimbursement.
• Generous paid time off, fertility and family-forming benefits, and flexible work schedules.
• 401(k) plan with competitive company match, annual equity awards, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Access to Company Learning Institute, including LinkedIn Learning and leadership programs.
• Employee resource groups and opportunities for volunteering and community giving.