Vice President, Drug Development Services (CNS/ Psychiatry)

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, welcoming you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development. As a global provider of clinical research services, healthcare intelligence, and consulting solutions, we partner with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device organizations to accelerate the development of life-changing therapies.

About the role

We are seeking an accomplished Vice President, Drug Development Services (CNS/Psychiatry) to serve as a strategic leader and trusted advisor to clients across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This highly visible role combines therapeutic expertise, scientific leadership, consulting excellence, and business impact to support the successful advancement of CNS and psychiatric therapies from early development through commercialization.

As a senior member of our Drug Development Services (DDS) organization, you will work directly with C-suite executives, Chief Medical Officers, Therapeutic Area Leaders, and senior development teams to design and execute innovative development strategies while leading and inspiring multidisciplinary teams across the global organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic scientific and medical leadership for CNS and Psychiatry development programs spanning Phase I through late-stage clinical development, ensuring robust clinical, regulatory, and commercial strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, delivering high-value consulting engagements and guiding critical decisions related to protocol design, development planning, patient selection, endpoints, and overall program strategy.
• Lead multidisciplinary Drug Development Services teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, scientific excellence, and client success.
• Drive the design and execution of integrated drug development solutions, including clinical development strategies, feasibility assessments, regulatory planning, risk mitigation, and program optimization.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with investigators, key opinion leaders, advisory boards, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders to advance client objectives and strengthen ICON's market presence.
• Partner closely with Business Development teams to support strategic growth initiatives, including proposal development, client presentations, bid defenses, and scientific leadership during business development activities.
• Represent ICON as an industry thought leader through participation in scientific conferences, professional organizations, client forums, and external speaking engagements.

Requirements

• MD with specialization in Neurology, Psychiatry, or a closely related CNS discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in drug development, with significant expertise in CNS and psychiatric therapeutic areas across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO environments.
• Demonstrated success advancing assets through multiple stages of development, including clinical, regulatory, and strategic decision-making that supports successful development milestones.
• Deep understanding of global regulatory requirements and experience guiding development strategies across major regulatory agencies.
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with executive leadership, including CEOs, CMOs, Therapeutic Area Heads, and other senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience leading multidisciplinary global teams, including talent development, organizational leadership, budget accountability, and resource management.
• Commercially minded strategic consultant with a successful track record supporting business growth, client engagements, and complex drug development partnerships.
• Extensive professional network within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and regulatory communities.
• Live in the US, UK, or Ireland with ability to travel up to 25%.

Benefits

• Various annual leave entitlements.
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
• Life assurance.
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.