VP, Head of Preclinical Development (Cell Therapy)

Location: Hybrid role based in Somerset, New Jersey, United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Salary: $294,483–$386,511 USD base pay per year, plus performance-based bonus and/or equity for eligible roles.

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 strategy across global pipeline programs from candidate nomination through IND-enabling studies.
• Set scientific standards for in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, and toxicology, including experimental design and data interpretation.
• Lead preclinical science 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 nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology components of IND applications.
• Build and develop a high-performing team of pharmacology scientists and toxicologists, including 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 accountability for IND-enabling programs.
• Deep expertise in at least two of in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, and toxicology, with working knowledge of the third.
• 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 track record of successful IND submissions.
• Experience managing CRO relationships and demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and build scientific teams.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a 401(k) company match that fully vests 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 flexible spending, health savings, disability, life insurance, legal assistance, commuter, family care, and well-being benefits.
• Benefits are available exclusively to permanent full-time employees; contractors are not eligible.