VP, Clinical Development
$300,000–$420,000 year
HybridIrvine, California, United States
Job Summary
Directly contribute to protocol development, study design, and data interpretation to assess proof-of-concept in early trials while overseeing the full clinical development continuum from first-in-human through registrational trials. Provide strategic leadership on study objectives, scope, and schedules, partnering cross-functionally with Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, and Business Development to drive efficient clinical work and due diligence. Build and sustain a high-performing Clinical Development organization by mentoring emerging leaders, establishing clear performance standards, and fostering a culture of scientific rigor and accountability. This senior leader reports to the COO and represents the company with investigators and regulators. The position requires a hybrid schedule with up to 40% travel, based in the Irvine office.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree(s) in relevant field (e.g. PharmD, MD, PhD)
- Minimum of 15 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry based clinical experience
- Broad exposure across all clinical development stages (Phase 1 through registration)
- Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and executing early proof-of-concept and Phase 1 clinical trials
- Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts across internal and external audiences
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Established strategic leadership track record
- Evidence of excellent people management experience
- Problem solving skills
- Collaboration skills
- Cross functional leadership
- Demonstrated track record of mentoring and developing clinical leaders
- Known for creating environments where high-potential scientists and physicians grow into senior decision-makers
- Building teams that consistently outperform in both scientific quality and execution speed
- Ability to develop and execute drug development strategic plans
- Ability to develop contingency plans
- Ability to provide technical and strategic advice
- Ability to meet milestones and budgets
- Must be willing to be 'hands on' and delve into details
- Mastery of the Tarsus Leadership Competencies for Leading Teams
- Empowering Others competency: Fosters empowerment by aligning authority with accountability, developing leaders' decision-making capability, and creating systems that support performance and growth
- Emotional Intelligence competency: Foster trust and psychological safety, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with compassion and accountability, and adapting leadership style to support others while maintaining composure under pressure
- Grows Capacity competency: Builds organizational capacity by developing talent systems, coaching cultures, and strategic partnerships that grow leadership strength and prepare the next generation of leaders
- Business Acumen competency: Demonstrates strong business acumen by anticipating market dynamics and using financial and strategic insight to guide investments, manage risk, and align priorities with long-term organizational value
- Innovative Mindset and Action competency: Demonstrates an innovative mindset by championing new ideas, investing in enabling systems and partnerships, and translating innovation into sustainable growth and organizational resilience
- Experience in ophthalmology
- Experience in dermatology
- Experience in inflammatory diseases
- Experience in infectious diseases
- Prior experience in clinical development at a start-up or small pharmaceutical company
- The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office
- We provide a hybrid work environment
- Remote work is an option
- Travel is required – up to 40%
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in ophthalmology is preferred
- dermatology, inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases a plus
- Prior experience in clinical development at a start-up or small pharmaceutical company preferred
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