Vice President Clinical Development

The Vice President, Clinical Development provides enterprise leadership in defining and executing GRAIL’s clinical development strategy and operations. This role defines the vision, direction, and executional framework for all clinical programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and scientific priorities. The position oversees the governance and delivery of clinical studies across all phases, guiding strategic decisions that support regulatory success and product advancement. 

This role drives organizational excellence, cultivates talent, and represents Clinical Development in enterprise, regulatory, and external partnership settings in collaboration with relevant functions.

This role is based in Sunnyvale, California, and the majority of your work will be performed there. We currently offer a flexible work arrangement that requires that at least 60% (24 hours) of your total workweek be on-site. Your specific schedule, determined in collaboration with your manager, will align with team and business needs and could require up to 5 days per week in the office. At our Sunnyvale site, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the key days when we encourage on-site presence to foster greater collaboration, faster decision-making, and engagement in events and on-site activities. 

Responsibilities

Defines and executes the clinical development strategy across the portfolio, with accountability for multi-year clinical outcomes, evidence generation, development priorities, scientific integrity and regulatory compliance.  
Exercises strategic judgment in high-stakes decisions under ambiguity, anticipating emerging risks and opportunities and balancing complex clinical, scientific, regulatory, operational and financial trade-offs to optimize enterprise outcomes.
Acts as a strategic partner with the CMO and with peers including Research, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, and Commercial to shape integrated development strategies and lifecycle plans whilst influencing enterprise wide decisions.
Establishes and evolves the Clinical Development operating model, governance, decision-making frameworks and organizational capabilities required to execute a clinical portfolio efficiently, consistently and with high quality.
Represents Clinical Development in executive forums, board discussions and strategic external engagements, including interactions with regulators, clinical and scientific leaders, and strategic partners, in collaboration with relevant functional leaders
Contributes to the preparation and review of major regulatory submissions, ensuring alignment with global health authority expectations.
Builds, leads and develops a multi-layer Clinical Development leadership organization establishing clear accountability, succession planning, leadership capability and a culture of innovation, quality and continuous improvement.
Partners with executive leadership to define and manage clinical budgets, workforce planning, resource allocation and operational resources across the portfolio to deliver measurable business outcomes.
Champions initiatives that enhance diversity in clinical research, innovation in study design, and the adoption of emerging technologies.
Leads through major organizational change and transformation, guiding leaders and teams through uncertainty while maintaining trust, clarity, accountability and execution momentum.
Adaptability and Growth Expectation - As our organization continues to evolve and grow, this role may require flexibility in responsibilities and duties.  Employees should expect that their role may expand, shift, or be modified to meet changing business needs, strategic priorities, and organizational objectives.
This may include:
Taking on additional responsibilities.
Participating in cross functional projects and initiatives. 
Adapting to new technologies, processes, or methodologies.
Supporting other departments or teams during periods of high demand.
Contributing to special projects or temporary assignments as needed.

These job duties are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent) in life sciences, health sciences, or related discipline with 20+ years of progressive experience in clinical research or development. An MD is highly preferred. 
At least 10 years of senior leadership experience overseeing global clinical programs and cross-functional teams.
Proven track record of success in leading programs from early development through regulatory approval and post-market lifecycle management.
Deep understanding of global regulatory frameworks, clinical trial governance, and operational best practices.
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic guidance, influence executive decision-making, and represent the organization externally.
Experience managing large, complex budgets and multi-regional teams.
Demonstrated level of knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position's complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance. Minimal applicable standards for this position include:
Operations within the regulated medical device environment (e.g. IVDD, IVDR, FDA 21 CFR 800 series, FDA 21 CFR Part 11)
Development and Operations within a regulated clinical study environment (e.g. ICH E6 (GCP), ISO 20916, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, Part 50, Part 54, Part 56)
 Essential Skills
Exceptional strategic leadership and organizational vision, with the ability to translate corporate objectives into executable clinical plans.
Strong executive communication and negotiation skills, capable of representing the company with regulators, partners, and key stakeholders.
Proven ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability across diverse, global teams.
Advanced business and financial acumen with a focus on resource optimization and portfolio value.
Commitment to scientific excellence, data integrity, and ethical clinical research practices.
High emotional intelligence, integrity, and executive presence.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

Frequent domestic and international travel required for governance meetings, regulatory interactions, and strategic partnership engagements.

At GRAIL, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the contributions our employees make to our mission and success. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for additional compensation, including an annual bonus and/or other incentives, in accordance with applicable plans and the company's discretion. The posted range reflects our good-faith estimate of the base pay we expect to offer for this position at the time of hire. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and other relevant considerations.

At GRAIL, we invest in the health, well-being, and future of our employees and their families. Employees in this role are eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support what matters most, including flexible time off or vacation, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and thoughtfully selected well-being programs. Benefits are offered in accordance with applicable plans and policies.

GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.

GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.