Job Summary:

We are seeking a Vice President of Clinical Development to lead our clinical science strategy and shape the future of our development programs. In this role, you will define and drive clinical development plans, provide scientific leadership across all stages of development, and ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ophthalmology and a proven track record of success in designing and executing early development phase (Phase 1/2) pharmaceutical clinical trials, Your expertise will be critical in advancing Osanni’s mission to deliver therapies that prevent and reverse blindness caused by retinal diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Clinical Strategy & Leadership

  • Define and oversee the clinical development strategy for ophthalmic therapeutic programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.

  • Serve as the clinical science lead for all development programs, ensuring organizational alignment with clinical development plans, trial designs, and data interpretation.

  • Represent the company at scientific and medical conferences, advisory boards, and key opinion leader (KOL) engagements.

  • Clinical Trial Design & Execution

  • Lead the development of core clinical and regulatory documents, including protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, protocol amendments, and submission-ready materials.

  • Provide scientific leadership across all aspects of trial planning: feasibility assessments, operational strategy, safety oversight, and data-related processes. 

  • Partner cross-functionally with physicians, clinical operations, regulatory, nonclinical, CMC, and data science to ensure seamless execution of clinical programs.

  • Develop and implement regulatory engagement strategies to support productive interactions with the FDA and global health authorities.

  • Provide strategic direction and high-level oversight to ensure alignment with Clinical Operations regarding trial objectives and regulatory standards.

  • Scientific Oversight

  • Guide medical data review and ensure data quality, patient safety, and scientific integrity across studies.

  • Interpret emerging clinical results and provide recommendations for ongoing and future development activities.

  • Author and review clinical components of regulatory submissions (IND, CTA, NDA/BLA).

  • Support preparation of abstracts, manuscripts, and key internal and external program updates.

  • Team Leadership

  • Build and mentor a high-performing clinical development team focused on scientific excellence.

  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across clinical functions.

 

Required Skills and Background:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; advanced Scientific and/or clinical degree or demonstrated mastery of scientific data required.

  • 15+ years of clinical development experience in biotech or pharma, including 5+ years in senior leadership. 

  • Ophthalmology experience is required.

  • Experience in development-stage organization required.

  • Deep expertise in clinical research, clinical science, and ophthalmology; experience in retina/AMD and early-phase development (Phases 1–2) strongly preferred. Proven success in designing and overseeing early-phase clinical trials, including OUS Phase 1/2 studies, and leading regulatory interactions. 

  • Strong knowledge of clinical trial design, data interpretation, biostatistics, and regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA, ICH, GCP). 

  • Experience drafting clinical sections of FDA submissions required.

  • Ability to partner with retina imaging reading centers and manage clinical data processes. 

  • Demonstrated leadership in building and guiding cross-functional teams (clinical operations, data management, supply chain). 

  • Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills. 

  • Outstanding communication skills and ability to engage internal and external stakeholders. 

  • Willingness to travel 20–25% for clinical and corporate activities.

  • San Francisco Bay Area location preferred.

 

The expected base pay range for this position is $310,000 - $350,000 plus bonus 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.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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