Executive Medical Director – Early Clinical Development, Immunology

Eli Lilly and Company

. Lead early clinical development strategy for transformational medicines in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $265,500 - $389,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in early clinical development strategy, particularly in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with a strong focus on translational medicine, biomarker development, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor junior members, and establish strategic partnerships within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Medical Doctor or Doctor of OsteopathyBoard Certification in Rheumatology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Allergy/ImmunologyEarly-Phase Clinical Trial Design and ExecutionTranslational Medicine and Biomarker DevelopmentRegulatory Requirements for Early Clinical Development

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Hard Skills

Early Clinical Development StrategyClinical Trial DesignBiomarker StrategiesImmunology and Autoimmune Disease PathophysiologyProject ManagementData AnalysisScientific PublicationsRisk ManagementFDA InteractionsCausal Human Biology

Soft Skills

LeadershipInfluencing Without AuthorityProblem-SolvingPresentation SkillsPublic Speaking

Certifications & Qualifications

Board Eligibility or Certification in Relevant Specialty

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryBiotechnologyTranslational MedicineImmunomodulatory ApproachesClinical PharmacologyPrecision MedicineHealth Authority InteractionsStrategic PartnershipsPeer-Reviewed PublicationsGlobal Regulatory Agencies

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Google Cloud Platform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead early clinical development strategy for transformational medicines in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
Collaborate with discovery, translational medicine, clinical, pharmacology, biostatistics, regulatory, operations, and commercial teams
Develop and refine therapeutic hypotheses and support target and modality prioritization
Evaluate and diligence external discovery and early clinical opportunities for partnerships or acquisitions
Design early clinical studies and optimize their execution
Integrate translational endpoints and biomarker strategies into early clinical studies
Contribute to pre-IND, IND, ex-US health authority interactions, regulatory strategy, submissions, and agency communications
Monitor patient safety and ensure compliance with GCP, FDA, ICH guidelines, and company policies
Drive innovative experimental medicine approaches from first-in-human through proof-of-concept
Serve as scientific and medical expert across multiple therapeutic programs
Lead cross-functional teams through matrix influence and facilitate decisions across discovery, development, and commercial functions
Mentor junior team members and build scientific capabilities across the organization
Establish relationships with key opinion leaders and scientific experts
Represent Lilly at scientific conferences, advisory boards, and industry forums
Support business development through clinical scientific due diligence
Identify, evaluate, and execute strategic partnerships with CROs, biotech companies, academic institutions, and research organizations
Support risk management, safety signal evaluation, data analysis, scientific publications, and medical communications
Report to the Head of Early Clinical Development, Immunology Discovery

Requirements

What you’ll need

Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy
Must be board eligible or certified in Rheumatology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Allergy/Immunology, or a related specialty, or have completed comparable post-medical-school clinical training relevant to the country of hiring
US-trained physicians must have achieved board eligibility or certification
Non-US-trained physicians must have completed education and training at a medical school meeting LCME requirements
Minimum 3–5+ years of pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience with progression to Director or Senior Director responsibilities in early clinical development
Demonstrated experience in early-phase clinical trial design and execution
Strong background in translational medicine and biomarker development or application
Deep understanding of immunology, autoimmune disease pathophysiology, and the current therapeutic landscape
Experience with novel immunomodulatory approaches, including biologics, small molecules, cell therapies, and genetic medicines
Knowledge of regulatory requirements for early clinical development, including IND strategy, FDA interactions, and global regulatory agencies
Familiarity with target identification/prioritization through causal human biology, translational endpoints, biomarker strategies, precision medicine, clinical pharmacology, and PK/PD modeling
Previous experience in autoimmune therapeutic areas
Publication record in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating scientific leadership
Experience with business development, licensing, or partnership activities
Previous regulatory interactions and FDA or other health authority meeting experience
Demonstrated ability to lead programs, influence strategy, and operate in a high-visibility portfolio environment
Strong project management, analytical, problem-solving, presentation, and public-speaking skills
Ability to influence without authority and build consensus across diverse teams
Ability to work effectively in a global environment
Professional network within the autoimmune/inflammatory disease research community
25–40% domestic and international travel required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending partly on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities
Employee resource groups and support networks