Vice President Clinical Development
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 28, 2026.
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. It offers a flexible work arrangement, with the ability to work from GRAIL's office or from home. Our current flexible work arrangement policy requires that a minimum of 60%, or 24 hours, of your total work week be on-site. Your specific schedule, determined in collaboration with your manager, will align with team and business needs and could exceed the 60% requirement for the site. At our Sunnyvale campus, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the key days where we encourage on-site presence to engage 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.
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.
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:
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)
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.
Essential Skills
Physical Demands & Working Environment
Frequent domestic and international travel required for governance meetings, regulatory interactions, and strategic partnership engagements.