At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead non-clinical development and make key scientific decisions in a growing biotech.
- Company: Dynamic biotech organisation focused on innovative drug development.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on strategic leadership and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of non-clinical development and impact lives through science.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in non-clinical development and deep toxicology expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
Location: UK-based | Hybrid - home-based and Oxford
Travel: Regular attendance in Oxford, typically a couple of times per month
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced VP, Non-Clinical Development to take a highly influential leadership role within a growing biotech organisation. This is a broad and strategically important position, with responsibility for strengthening and leading the non-clinical development capability across a multi-programme pipeline. While the role spans the full breadth of non-clinical development, deep toxicology expertise is central to the appointment, with the successful individual expected to bring the scientific judgement and experience to make important development decisions with a high degree of autonomy. Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer, you will play a central role in shaping the future non-clinical development organisation and helping translate strong scientific understanding into robust, pragmatic development strategies. This role will suit a senior development leader who combines scientific depth with sound judgement, commercial pragmatism and a genuinely collaborative leadership style.
The Role
- Provide strategic leadership across non-clinical development activities.
- Oversee non-clinical development packages across multiple programmes.
- Ensure effective integration of toxicology and DMPK activities.
- Provide senior scientific judgement at critical development decision points.
- Work closely with discovery and clinical development leaders to shape programme strategy.
- Translate scientific understanding into robust, practical development plans.
- Identify, assess and manage non-clinical development risk.
- Provide effective oversight of external consultants, CROs and specialist providers.
- Challenge assumptions and help teams make clear, evidence-based development decisions.
- Contribute to the evolution and future structure of the non-clinical development organisation.
Toxicology Expertise Is Critical
Although this is a broad leadership role, toxicology expertise will be a defining part of the appointment. The organisation is looking for an individual with sufficient depth and credibility to be entrusted with its most significant toxicology decisions, while also being able to operate effectively across the wider development landscape.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be an experienced non-clinical development professional with a strong track record supporting programmes through development and IND-enabling activities. We are particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience in non-clinical development and development-stage programmes.
- Experience supporting programmes through IND-enabling development.
- Deep toxicology expertise and the confidence to make important scientific and development decisions.
- Experience managing and influencing external toxicology providers and specialist consultants.
- The ability to provide appropriate strategic leadership and oversight across DMPK.
- Broad, cross-functional understanding of drug development rather than a narrowly functional perspective.
- Experience in rare disease, chronic disease, autoimmune disease and/or immunology would be advantageous.
Head of Non-Clinical Development in Oxford employer: Morgan Prestwich - Life Science & Healthcare Executive Search
At Morgan Prestwich, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the life sciences sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead impactful projects in cell therapy, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Located in a vibrant area, we provide unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge facilities and a network of industry leaders, making this an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Morgan Prestwich - Life Science & Healthcare Executive Search Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Non-Clinical Development in Oxford
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