Sr Director, Clinical Sciences

Lead the Clinical Science (Eyecare) function, accountable for the scientific integrity, quality, and strategic impact of all eyecare clinical studies from early development through late-stage registration and lifecycle management. Partner closely with Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Biostats, Medical Affairs, and Commercial to translate target product profiles into robust clinical development plans and high-quality trial designs.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership to cross-functional study and program teams, ensuring timely study start-up, enrollment, database lock, analysis, and readouts.
• Lead the design of clinical development plans and individual study protocols (objectives, endpoints, inclusion/exclusion, assessments, statistical assumptions).
• Maintain direct ownership of clinical deliverables, actively contributing to protocol development, document authoring, data review, study-level problem solving, and execution decisions to ensure scientific rigor and operational excellence.
• Shape clinical plans including timelines, budgets, and oversight of clinical teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with investigators, KOLs, and external partners; contribute to publication strategy and scientific communications.
• Drive innovation in clinical endpoints, biomarkers, and digital tools, and champion continuous improvement in clinical science processes, templates, and data review frameworks.
• Author and critically review key clinical and regulatory documents, including protocols, SAPs, CSRs, IBs, and clinical value dossiers, ensuring scientific rigor, regulatory alignment, and quality execution.
• Conduct research to develop foundational education material to inform early development program strategies.
• Interpret clinical data and support data-driven decisions.
• Serve as program lead on early development Core teams, investigator meetings, and scientific advisory boards.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including KOLs and regulators.
• Exhibit and foster key leadership competencies, including an innovative mindset, strong business acumen, an outcome-driven orientation, and a commitment to growing and expanding the capabilities and capacity of the team.
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Translational Sciences, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and others to ensure robust trial design, scientific and operational alignment, and execution.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in sciences (e.g., PharmD, MD, PhD) with deep experience in early clinical development.
• Experience in ophthalmology is preferred; dermatology or infectious diseases a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of biotech/pharmaceutical clinical development experience, with a minimum of 8 years leadership in clinical trial management experience required.
• Established leadership track record with evidence of excellent performance-based people management experience, problem solving, collaboration, cross-functional leadership, and effective communication skills.
• Expertise with SOPs, GCPs, and regulatory and compliance guidelines for clinical trials.
• Must be willing to be “hands on” and delve into details.

Leadership Competencies

• Empowering Others - Fosters empowerment by aligning authority with accountability, developing leaders’ decision-making capability, and creating systems that support performance and growth.
• Emotional Intelligence - 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 - 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 - 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 - Demonstrates an innovative mindset by championing new ideas, investing in enabling systems and partnerships, and translating innovation into sustainable growth and organizational resilience.

Work Environment

The position will be based in our Irvine office, which includes an onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We offer a hybrid work environment with remote work options. Travel may be required – up to 30%.

Pay

The expected base pay range for this position is $255,000 - $357,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.