VP, Head of Preclinical Development

The role

This person will lead the full preclinical development program across in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, and toxicology for all pipeline compounds globally. They will build and lead an integrated team and set scientific standards for the organization.

What you will do

• Define and execute the preclinical development strategy across all pipeline program globally from candidate nomination through IND-enabling studies.
• Serve as the internal scientific authority on in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, and toxicology.
• Lead preclinical science for novel modalities including lentiviral vector-based in vivo CAR-T, ex vivo cell therapies, and gene-modified immune cell platforms.
• Integrate preclinical datasets into coherent compound narratives to inform clinical development strategy, dose selection, and regulatory submissions.
• Contribute to portfolio decisions by providing preclinical risk assessments.
• Own the preclinical component of IND applications.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Preclinical Development team.
• Set a culture of scientific excellence, objectivity, and regulatory integrity.
• Mentor and develop team members at all levels.

Required qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, cell biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in preclinical drug development.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role with direct accountability for IND-enabling programs.
• Deep expertise in at least two of the three core functions (in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, toxicology), with working knowledge of the third.
• Demonstrated experience designing, overseeing, and interpreting GLP toxicology studies in support of IND filing.
• Experience in cell therapy, gene therapy, or advanced therapy development.
• Track record of successful IND submissions with clear accountability for the nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology sections.
• Experience managing CRO relationships for outsourced preclinical and GLP studies.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and build high-performing scientific teams in a fast-paced biotech environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one
• Eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave after three (3) months of employment
• Paid time off including vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven (11) company holidays
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Legal assistance
• Supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Voluntary commuter benefits
• Family planning and care resources
• Well-being initiatives and peer-to-peer recognition programs

Before you apply

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.

About the company

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating and, one day, curing life-threatening diseases. The company is advancing the next generation of cell therapy through a portfolio of innovative technologies.