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Associate Director, Chemical Development

Irvine, California, United States

Hi Tarsan! 

Thanks for your interest in this position.  Please review the details and if role and if it's something that could match your career goals, connect with your current manager and HRBP to discuss if your experience and skills line up. If everything is a go, please apply and the Talent Acquisition team will contact you for an interview so we can also get to know you better.  

- Your Human Resources Team

Associate Director, Chemical Development

About the Role

The Associate Director, Chemical Development will support the strategic planning and execution of CMC activities related to drug substance development and manufacturing at CMOs from preclinical through commercialization. Reporting to the Director of Chemical Development, this role will provide technical and operational leadership for assigned programs and collaborate closely with Technical Operations, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Development, Quality, Regulatory Science, and Supply Chain to support the continuous supply of clinical and commercial products.

Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:

  • Manage API operations across assigned CMC programs and ensure operational plans align with regulatory, program, and corporate strategies. Oversee the manufacture of clinical and commercial drug substance at CMOs and drive adherence to project timelines, quality requirements, and supply objectives. Build and maintain effective working relationships with external manufacturing partners.
  • Partner with CMOs to plan and execute manufacturing initiatives, including CMO site selection, technology transfer, scale-up, process development and optimization, validation, and clinical and commercial production.
  • Support the development of robust supply strategies for clinical and commercial drug substance. Identify technical and operational risks and implement mitigation plans aligned with overall development timelines.
  • Collaborate with internal functional groups to ensure manufacturing activities comply with cGMP requirements and regulatory filings. Lead or support the timely investigation and resolution of deviations and other manufacturing issues.
  • Develop and manage budgets and forecasts for assigned CMC activities. Partner with the Director of Chemical Development and Finance to monitor spend and address budget variances.
  • Collaborate with Regulatory Science and the Director of Chemical Development to develop CMC strategies. Author and review relevant sections of CMC regulatory submissions and responses to health authority questions.
  • Collaborate with Pharmaceutical Sciences and cross-functional partners to develop and execute drug substance development strategies.
  • Review and approve, as appropriate, drug substance manufacturing batch records, protocols, reports, specifications, change controls, and deviations.
  • Coordinate Person-in-Plant coverage and provide on-site or remote technical oversight for manufacturing activities, as needed.

Factors for Success:

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Strong understanding of the technical and scientific challenges associated with drug substance development and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Experience supporting sterile product programs and related manufacturing operations is preferred.
  • Ph.D. in Technical Operations, chemical development, process development, or pharmaceutical manufacturing support with 8+ years of progressive industrial experience or a B.S. with 12+ years, or an M.S. with 10+ years.
  • Experience in several of the following areas is preferred: small-molecule or other API modalities, intermediates and regulatory starting materials, CMO selection and oversight, technology transfer, process development and optimization, scale-up, registration, validation, and commercial manufacturing.
  • Strong project management, technical problem-solving, and business skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, external partners, budgets, and timelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and external partners, influence without direct authority, mentor colleagues, and communicate effectively across technical and business functions.
  • Translates program and department strategy into practical execution plans; adjusts priorities and tactics in response to changing program needs, technical information, and business circumstances.
  • The successful candidate will be high-energy, collaborative, and learning-oriented, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, stakeholder management, and change management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across levels and functions.
  • Sound judgment and the ability to identify, escalate, and help resolve complex technical, quality, supply, and business issues.
  • Decision Making - Identifies, analyzes, and resolves issues or challenges effectively and efficiently. Demonstrates creativity, decisiveness, and the capacity to implement solutions in a structured and outcome-oriented manner. Navigates uncertainty when there’s not a blueprint for success. Owns their decisions and actions.
  • Collaboration and Team Building - Builds strong relationships and networks. Is curious about and respectful of different points of view. Cultivates a safe space for discussion readily engaging in group dialogue and debate. Puts the team first.
  • Outcome Driven - Clearly defines mutual expectations of self and others in a team setting. Adapts to changing business needs. Is determined and resourceful in finding solutions, even when faced with obstacles. Takes appropriate actions, including calculated risks, to ensure obligations are met. 

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:

  • The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment. Remote work is an option.
  • We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact!
  • This position reports directly to the Director of Chemical Development.
  • Some travel may be required – up to 30%

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $150,000 - $210,000 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. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: https://eb.alliant.com/26tarsusbenefitssnapshot.

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