Vice President Clinical Development

A pioneering, venture-backed biotech headquartered in San Francisco is seeking a highly accomplished VP/SVP of Clinical Development to drive its clinical strategy, guide early- and mid-stage development, and provide scientific and medical leadership across a growing portfolio of inflammatory and metabolic disease programs. This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative, fast-moving company at a pivotal stage as it advances its lead assets toward and through clinical development. Key Responsibilities Lead clinical development planning and execution from IND-enabling through early clinical trials (FIH, Phase I/II). Oversee clinical study design, protocol development, safety reviews, data interpretation, and clinical decision-making. Partner cross-functionally with R&D, translational science, CMC, regulatory, and program leadership to shape development strategy and asset prioritization. Support regulatory interactions (FDA, EMA, etc.), including preparation of IND/CTA packages and participation in agency meetings. Engage with investigators, KOLs, CROs, and clinical sites to ensure high-quality program execution. Contribute to portfolio strategy, target product profiles, and long-range clinical plans across inflammatory and metabolic programs. Provide scientific and medical leadership to internal teams and external stakeholders, including scientific advisors and investors. Build and mentor high-performing clinical and medical teams as the organization scales. Experience & Qualifications MD or MD/PhD, ideally board-certified in a relevant specialty (endocrinology, immunology, rheumatology, metabolism, internal medicine, or related field). 810+ years of biotech/pharma experience in clinical development. Strong track record advancing inflammatory and/or metabolic therapies through early and mid-stage clinical development. Experience designing and leading Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. Direct involvement with FDA/EMA interactions and IND/CTA submissions. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial biotech environment. Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills; confident representing clinical strategy to internal and external audiences. Must be based in (or willing to relocate to) the San Francisco Bay Area. What This Role Offers Opportunity to shape and advance first-in-class or best-in-class programs in high-impact therapeutic areas. Significant clinical leadership within a high-growth biotech environment. Close collaboration with top-tier scientific founders, investors, and translational leaders. Competitive compensation, significant equity, and long-term development potential, with a pathway toward executive-level leadership.