VP, Clinical Science

Vice President, Clinical Science

About Character Biosciences

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success.

Our interdisciplinary team spans human genetics, clinical science, data science and engineering, drug discovery and development. We are advancing two programs for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) into the clinic, with additional discovery-stage programs underway.

Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed >$110 million Series B in 2025 co-led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Sanofi Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD.

Our offices are located in Jersey City, NJ and Brisbane, CA. Remote or hybrid working is acceptable for this position.

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Clinical Science will serve as a clinical development leader, responsible for leading the design and execution of ophthalmic clinical programs that align with corporate strategy. Operating in a lean, fast-paced environment, this individual will drive the full spectrum of clinical development activities, from authoring development plans and clinical trial protocols to overseeing execution, monitoring data, and advancing programs through early- and mid-stage development. This role will initially operate as an individual contributor, with the expectation of building and leading a team as programs progress.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Strategy & Development

• Define and lead clinical development plans and innovative trial designs for ophthalmic indications, with emphasis on retinal diseases such as AMD.
• Lead authoring of key regulatory and clinical documents including protocols, investigator brochures, study reports, amendments, and regulatory submissions.
• Develop clinical regulatory strategies to support interactions with FDA and other global regulatory agencies.
• Represent Clinical Science in business development, investor interactions, and scientific/medical conferences.

Trial Design & Execution

• Provide clinical scientific leadership for study feasibility, operational planning, safety monitoring, and data management.
• Collaborate with internal teams, CROs, investigators, and KOLs to ensure efficient and high-quality trial execution.
• Oversee review, cleaning, and interpretation of clinical data to ensure subject safety, data integrity, and program advancement.
• Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and milestone communications.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner cross-functionally with physicians, clinical operations, regulatory, nonclinical,CMC, and data science to align clinical deliverables with program timelines.
• Mentor and manage clinical scientists, consultants, and contractors as the team grows.
• Stay current with global ICH-GCP standards, ophthalmology landscape, and regulatory requirements to guide strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications / Experience

• Master’s degree required; doctoral degree (M.D., O.D., Ph.D., or Pharm.D.) preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in clinical development, including at least 4 years focused onAMD.
• Demonstrated experience in Phases 1–2 clinical development; Phase 3 experience desirable.
• Strong knowledge of GCP and the end-to-end drug development process, including nonclinical, CMC, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, data sciences, and clinical operations.
• Hands-on experience authoring and supporting FDA submissions (e.g., IND, Type C, EOP2); ex-US submission experience (EMA, PMDA). Experience with expedited review pathways (Breakthrough Therapy, RMAT, PRIME) highly desirable.
• Proven ability to design and execute clinical development plans and interpret data for decision-making and external communication
• Experience managing direct reports, consultants, and/or contractors.
• Strategic thinker with an execution-focused mindset, well suited for a lean biotech environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• High integrity, ethical standards, and strong leadership presence.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $310,000-$350,000 + equity + benefits

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and a flexible paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture.