Scientific Director

Scientific Director Job Locations US-CA-San Diego Job ID 2026-14151 Overview Serve as the scientific and strategic expert in oncology and GPCR biology for WuXi AppTec’s US site, supporting discovery, translational and early development programs as well as external client projects. Provide technical leadership & consultation across cross‑functional teams, design and review experiments and preclinical strategies, evaluate external partnerships and scientific deliverables, and help drive decisions from target validation through lead selection and IND‑enabling activities.

Responsibilities Provide high‑level scientific guidance for oncology and GPCR projects across internal programs and client projects, participating in milestone decision meetings (target selection, lead ID/optimization, IND‑enabling, early clinical strategy). Design, critique and approve mechanistic studies, pharmacology, translational biology, and in vitro study plans to ensure rigor, reproducibility and translational relevance.

Evaluate target biology evidence (signaling pathways, oncogenic mechanisms, resistance mechanisms) and relevance across tumor types to support target prioritization. Guide GPCR‑focused activities including assay design for functional characterization, ligand screening strategies, SAR interpretation, biased signaling evaluation and appropriate pharmacology profiling.

Support toxicology, PK/PD, CMC and safety teams in identifying GPCR‑ or oncology‑specific risks and mitigation strategies for preclinical packages and IND filings. Represent WuXi AppTec in scientific discussions with academic collaborators, clients, CROs/CMOs and regulatory agencies; build and maintain an external network of subject matter contacts.

Prepare and review scientific reports, study summaries, regulatory documents (e.g., IND dossiers), client deliverables and external communications (abstracts/presentations). Contribute to capability building and support business development/scientific sales as needed.

Qualifications PhD in oncology, molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or related field; or MS with substantial industry experience. Minimum 8 years’ experience in drug discovery or early development, with demonstrated hands‑on or leadership experience in oncology and/or GPCR biology within biopharma, biotech, CRO or academic translational research.

Deep knowledge of GPCR biology, ligand pharmacology, screening/assay paradigms, and/or tumor signaling pathways and translational oncology. Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models, biomarker development and early clinical development processes.

Strong scientific communication skills in English (written and verbal); ability to interact effectively with clients and cross‑functional teams. Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications Direct project leadership experience on GPCR targets (e.g., chemokine receptors, adhesion GPCRs, aminergic receptors) or oncology targets with a record of advancing molecules toward IND. Experience supporting IND preparation, regulatory interactions (FDA/EMA) or early clinical study design.

Familiarity with structural biology (GPCR crystallography/cry-EM), computational drug design, or advanced biased signaling/pharmacology assays. Experience mentoring teams and working in a client‑facing or CRO environment; demonstrated business development support or client engagement experience.

Publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. Physical Requirements: Must be able to work in an office environment with minimal noise conditions.

Must be able to work in a lab setting with exposure to Animals/, biohazards, / Chemicals Must not have animal allergies to applicable species in this facility Must be able to wear appropriate PPE Must be able to work in an environment with variable noise levels Ability to stand /sit/walk for long periods of time Ability to lift 10 lbs. routinely Ability to crouch, bend, twist, and reach Ability to push/pull 10 lbs. routinely/ often / occasionally Clarity of Vision Ability to identify and distinguish colors Must be able to perform activities with repetitive motions Anticipated salary range: $130,015 to $182,017 An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by Management.

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An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability Click here to get started.

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