Senior Director, Head of Clinical Pharmacology - Oncology
Senior Director, Head of Clinical Pharmacology - Oncology
San Francisco, California (Hybrid)
Salary: 290-330,000 base + 30% bonus + RSUs + additional benefits
About the Opportunity
Our client, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative therapies across oncology and immunology-focused programs, is seeking an accomplished Senior Director, Head of Clinical Pharmacology- Oncology to provide scientific, strategic, and operational leadership across its development portfolio.
This is a highly visible leadership position for a seasoned clinical pharmacology expert who enjoys remaining hands-on with the science while leading a growing function. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in guiding clinical pharmacology, translational PK/PD, modeling and simulation strategies from early development through registration, partnering closely with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to accelerate development decisions and optimize patient outcomes.
This role reports into senior development leadership and will oversee a team that includes two Associate Director-level Clinical Pharmacology professionals and an external consultant.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Pharmacology Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership for Clinical Pharmacology and Translational PK/PD activities across multiple development programs.
- Serve as the clinical pharmacology subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams.
- Develop and implement fit-for-purpose clinical pharmacology strategies supporting programs from preclinical development through commercialization.
- Influence key development decisions related to dose selection, optimization, and benefit-risk assessment.
Modeling & Simulation
- Lead the application of PK/PD, Population PK (PopPK), exposure-response, and model-informed drug development approaches.
- Utilize quantitative methodologies to support dose justification, clinical study design, and regulatory interactions.
- Drive innovative approaches that improve clinical development efficiency and decision-making.
Regulatory & Development Strategy
- Author and contribute to regulatory submissions and supporting documentation, including:
- INDs
- Briefing books
- Clinical protocols
- Investigator Brochures
- NDA/BLA components
- Regulatory responses and health authority interactions
- Ensure alignment of clinical pharmacology deliverables with overall development strategy.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with:
- Clinical Development
- Clinical Operations
- Biometrics
- Bioanalytical Sciences
- Regulatory Affairs
- Translational Medicine
- CMC
- Research & Discovery
- Support integrated program planning and execution across the portfolio.
Team & Vendor Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Clinical Pharmacology function.
- Manage internal resources and external consultants/vendors to ensure high-quality execution.
- Establish departmental best practices, foster scientific excellence, and build organizational capabilities.
- Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation across multiple programs.
Qualifications
Required
- PhD, PharmD, or MD in Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutics, or a related scientific discipline.
- 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience in Clinical Pharmacology, DMPK, or related functions.
- Deep expertise in:
- Clinical pharmacology
- PK/PD modeling
- Population PK
- Exposure-response analysis
- Translational drug development
- Oncology / Biologics
- People management
- Extensive experience supporting development programs from candidate selection through late-stage development and regulatory submission.
- Strong understanding of global regulatory expectations related to clinical pharmacology.
- Experience contributing to regulatory filings and health authority interactions.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing scientific teams.
Preferred
- Experience supporting biologics, monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, or other complex therapeutic modalities.
- Oncology drug development experience is required
- Experience working in highly collaborative, fast-paced biotechnology environments.
- Strong scientific communication and executive stakeholder management skills.
Location & Work Environment
- San Francisco, California
- Hybrid schedule with approximately three days onsite per week
- Flexibility regarding onsite days while maintaining a strong collaborative presence with the broader development organization.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.Â
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.Â
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.