Senior Leader, Preclinical Drug Development – Hybrid (Menlo Park, CA or Harrisonburg, VA)

CRO | Translational Pharmacology & Toxicology | $195,000 – $230,000 + Bonus + Benefits

A leading CRO is seeking a visionary scientific leader to drive its preclinical pharmacology and translational medicine initiatives within a dynamic and mission-driven Biosciences Division. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence the future of drug development while contributing to programs that span from discovery through IND-enabling studies. The position is hybrid, with preferred proximity to either Menlo Park, CA or Harrisonburg, VA.

Renowned for translating cutting-edge science into real-world impact, this CRO delivers GLP-compliant preclinical toxicology services to pharmaceutical, biotech, and government partners. The organization operates with a nonprofit structure that fosters a mission-first culture, emphasizing scientific integrity, innovation, and long-term public health outcomes over commercial gain. With more than 75 years of legacy and over 225 drug candidates advanced into clinical development, the CRO is a recognized leader in translational research.

Scientific leaders at the CRO oversee multidisciplinary toxicology programs and contribute to regulatory strategy and program design. With major government contracts—such as $40M from NICHD and up to $90M from BARDA—the organization maintains a high volume of impactful studies annually. Its fully integrated in-house capabilities include bioanalysis, formulation, pathology, and pharmacokinetics, ensuring efficient, end-to-end program execution.

In this strategic role, you will provide leadership across preclinical pharmacology, toxicology, and translational medicine. Responsibilities include mentoring scientific staff, contributing to regulatory submissions (INDs, ANDAs, 505(b)(2)), and engaging directly with clients and federal agencies such as NIH, DOD, and BARDA. You will also help integrate next-generation research tools, including organoids, organ-on-chip platforms, AI/ML, and predictive modeling.

Qualifications:

• PhD, DVM, or MD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related field

• Minimum 10 years of experience in drug development

• Experience with GLP/GMP standards and FDA regulatory frameworks

• Familiarity with government contract research

• Board certification (DABT, DACVP, etc.) preferred

• Strong record of scientific leadership, publication, and cross-functional collaboration

Why Join?

• Work with a mission-driven CRO advancing public health through science

• Engage with high-impact, federally funded research programs

• Lead innovation in toxicology and translational pharmacology

• Join a collaborative, inclusive team of 140+ biomedical professionals across three U.S. locations

Salary: $195,000 – $230,000 annually, plus performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits

Work Location: Hybrid (Menlo Park, CA or Harrisonburg, VA)

RPM ReSearch is proud to support this retained search and will assist with candidate outreach, engagement, and hiring. If you’re ready to lead transformative science and shape the next generation of therapies, we welcome your application.

5 Key Highlights:

• Broad toxicology services: acute, chronic, reproductive, and immunotoxicology

• Fully integrated in-house capabilities: bioanalysis, formulation, pathology, and pharmacokinetics

• Leadership role with direct influence on study design, regulatory planning, and funding

• Stable, impactful research through longstanding government partnerships

• Mission-driven culture prioritizing scientific excellence and public benefit