VP, Clinical Development

About the Role

The Vice President, Clinical Development provides strategic and scientific leadership for all clinical programs, overseeing trial direction, design, execution and data analysis from first‑in‑human through proof‑of‑concept and approval. This leader holds accountability across the full clinical development continuum, ensuring seamless strategic continuity as programs advance. The position will oversee Clinical Sciences, Clinical Operations, Biostats/Data Management and partner cross‑functionally with Regulatory Affairs, Translational Sciences, Medical Affairs, Commercial, Innovation Lab, Finance and Legal to drive efficient, scientifically rigorous clinical work.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and strategic oversight in determining study strategy, objectives, scope and schedule to meet business needs; aligns the team on common priorities and initiatives.
• Builds, develops and retains a world‑class Clinical Development team; establishes clear role expectations, performance standards and growth pathways that attract exceptional talent and reduce attrition; actively mentors and sponsors emerging clinical leaders.
• Ensures the leadership team is kept informed of study progress and that all critical issues are appropriately escalated within the organization.
• Fosters close partnership with CMO and Medical Affairs teams on all studies, from study design and site selection to KOL partnerships and BD Due Diligence.
• Collaborates with Innovation Lab Leadership to advance IL programs into Early Development and beyond.
• Serves as a key partner to BD in all due diligence for clinical assessment and development pathways along with appropriate risk assessment.
• Exhibits and fosters leadership competencies, including an innovative mindset, strong business acumen, an outcome‑driven orientation and a commitment to expanding team capabilities.
• Drives innovation by identifying and integrating cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies into early development clinical trial design.
• Shapes clinical plans including timelines, budgets and oversight of clinical teams.
• Represents the company with investigators, regulators and executive leadership.
• Contributes to generating information that supports safe use, patient targeting and clinical/commercial positioning.
• Reviews and interprets clinical data across all development stages—particularly in early and mid‑stage studies—applying flexible analytical frameworks and innovative data evaluation strategies to accelerate decision‑making and de‑risk late‑stage investment.
• Acts as a senior leader, participating in the broader leadership team and guiding strategic decisions.
• Actively partners with Regulatory Affairs, Translational Sciences, Operations, Medical Affairs, BD and Commercial teams to drive company and asset strategy.
• Creates a high‑performance team culture grounded in scientific excellence, psychological safety and a shared commitment to patients.
• Oversees full‑stage clinical development strategy—from Phase 1 through registrational trials—ensuring that early exploration informs robust late‑stage programs.

Factors for Success

• Advanced degree(s) in a relevant field (e.g., PharmD, MD, PhD) with deep experience and demonstrated success in early clinical development.
• Experience in ophthalmology preferred; dermatology, inflammatory diseases or infectious diseases a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry–based clinical experience across all development stages (Phase 1 through registration) with hands‑on experience designing and executing early proof‑of‑concept and Phase 1 trials.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts across internal and external audiences and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Established strategic leadership track record with evidence of excellent people management, problem solving, collaboration and cross‑functional leadership.
• Demonstrated track record of mentoring and developing clinical leaders; known for building teams that exceed scientific quality and execution speed.
• Prior experience in clinical development at a start‑up or small pharmaceutical company preferred.
• Ability to develop and execute drug development strategic plans, contingency plans, provide technical and strategic advice, and meet milestones and budgets.
• Willingness to be hands‑on and delve into details.

Leadership Competencies

• Empowering Others – Foster 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, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with compassion and accountability, and adapt leadership style to support others while maintaining composure under pressure.
• Grows Capacity – Build organizational capacity by developing talent systems, coaching cultures, and strategic partnerships that grow leadership strength.
• Business Acumen – Demonstrate strong business acumen by anticipating market dynamics and using financial and strategic insight to guide investments, manage risk and align priorities with long‑term value.
• Innovative Mindset and Action – Champion new ideas, invest in enabling systems and partnerships, and translate innovation into sustainable growth and organizational resilience.

Other Details Worth Mentioning

• The position will be based in the Irvine office, offering a hybrid work environment with onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. Remote work is an option.
• Travel is required – up to 40 %.
• This position reports directly to the COO.
• We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact.

Compensation & Benefits

At Tarsus, the expected base pay range for this position is $300,000 – $420,000 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 include health, dental and vision insurance to ensure your well‑being. We believe in work‑life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays and personal days.