Head of Preclinical Development

About the Role

The Head of Preclinical Development - Oncology will provide strategic and scientific leadership across the company’s oncology portfolio, overseeing the development and execution of preclinical programmes required to support candidate selection, IND-enabling studies, and clinical progression.

Working closely with Research, Translational Medicine, CMC, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Development teams, this individual will be responsible for building robust preclinical packages that enable informed development decisions and successful regulatory submissions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the preclinical development strategy for a portfolio of oncology programmes.
• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical studies, including in vivo oncology models, pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and translational research activities.
• Provide scientific leadership across tumour biology, mechanism of action studies, biomarker strategies, and translational approaches.
• Drive programmes through candidate selection, IND-enabling studies, and regulatory milestones.
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing preclinical and translational science teams.
• Manage external CRO partnerships and academic collaborations.
• Support pipeline prioritisation, programme strategy, and portfolio decision-making.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Discovery, Clinical, Regulatory, and CMC teams.
• Represent the preclinical function with internal stakeholders, external partners, investors, and scientific communities.

Requirements

• PhD in Oncology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, or a related life science discipline.
• Extensive experience leading preclinical oncology programmes within biotech or pharmaceutical organisations.
• Strong expertise in oncology models, translational pharmacology, and drug development strategy.
• Demonstrated success progressing therapeutic candidates from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and external research collaborations.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for oncology drug development.
• Ability to operate strategically while maintaining strong scientific depth.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.