Head of In Vivo Pharmacology

An innovative and research-driven biotechnology organisation is seeking a Head of In Vivo Pharmacology to lead its preclinical pharmacology function and contribute to the advancement of a diverse portfolio of therapeutic programmes. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced pharmacologist with a strong track record in drug discovery and translational research.

The Role

As Head of In Vivo Pharmacology, you will provide scientific, operational, and people leadership for in vivo pharmacology activities across multiple research and development programmes. You will be responsible for shaping pharmacology strategy, overseeing study execution, and ensuring the generation of high-quality data to support critical project decisions.

Working closely with senior scientific leaders and cross-functional teams, you will play a key role in advancing candidate molecules from discovery through preclinical development while driving innovation and scientific excellence within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the in vivo pharmacology strategy across discovery and preclinical development programmes.
• Lead the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of complex pharmacology studies.
• Oversee the development, validation, and optimisation of in vivo disease models and translational approaches.
• Provide scientific leadership for efficacy, mechanism-of-action, and biomarker studies.
• Partner closely with biology, toxicology, DMPK, translational science, clinical, and regulatory teams.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Manage external research collaborations, CRO relationships, and scientific partnerships.
• Ensure studies are conducted in compliance with ethical, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and project governance committees.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and adoption of emerging technologies within the pharmacology function.

What you’ll need:

• Extensive experience in in vivo pharmacology within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or leading academic research environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing scientific teams and complex research programmes.
• Strong expertise in study design, translational pharmacology, efficacy assessment, and data interpretation.
• Proven track record of supporting drug discovery and development programmes from target validation through candidate selection.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and matrix-based organisations.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership capabilities.
• Experience in therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, inflammation, neuroscience, metabolic disease, or rare diseases would be advantageous.
• PhD in Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Significant industry experience in drug discovery and preclinical research.
• Experience leading teams, programmes, or scientific functions is strongly preferred.