Job Description

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.
Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.
Description of Role
Centessa Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences to establish and lead a critical function supporting early-stage drug development. This role will provide technical expertise in physicochemical characterization, pre-formulation development, and dose formulation analysis across the portfolio. The Director will ensure robust analytical and formulation support from Candidate Selection through IND-enabling studies, bridging gaps between Non-Clinical and CMC teams to drive efficiency and compliance.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage physicochemical characterization of drug candidates during Candidate Selection through IND stages.
• Oversee pre-formulation activities to support pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology studies.
• Manage dose formulation analysis for non-clinical studies, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory expectations.
• Develop and implement processes for analytical verification of formulations, including stability and concentration checks for research and GLP/non-GLP toxicology studies.
• Collaborate closely with Non-Clinical and CMC teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure timely delivery of formulation and analytical data.
• Serve as subject matter expert for pharmaceutical sciences, advising on formulation strategies and analytical methodologies.
• Support regulatory submissions by providing high-quality data and addressing formulation-related questions.
• Build and maintain relationships with CDMOs and external partners to ensure best practices and scalability.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical development, with a focus on analytical and formulation sciences.
• Proven track record in early-stage drug development, including IND-enabling activities.
• Strong understanding of dose formulation analysis, stability studies, and regulatory requirements for non-clinical and clinical phases.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and external vendors (CDMOs).
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Compensation

• The annual base salary range for this position is $190,000 to $250,000. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge.
• In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and participation in our equity program, allowing you to share in Centessa's long-term success.
• Centessa also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program.

Work Location
The Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences role is a remote role based in the US, with approximately 15% travel.
POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt
EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.
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