Senior Director, CMC Process Development
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director of CMC Process Development to lead our biologics process development function across early-stage, late-stage, and commercial programs. This role will drive the design, scale-up, and technology transfer of drug substance and drug product processesboth internally and through a global network of CDMOs. Expertise in high-concentration biologics is essential.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge, strong organizational leadership, and proven experience managing external collaborations and in-house teams. This role is critical to ensuring robust, scalable, processes that support clinical and commercial success.
Position Responsibilities :
- Strategic & Functional Leadership
- Lead the CMC process development strategy for biologics (mAbs, fusion proteins, or similar), including upstream and downstream development.
- Serve as the enterprise thought leader for biologics manufacturing platforms, innovation, and process robustness.
- Partner with stakeholders across R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure alignment from development to commercial readiness.
- Technical Program Oversight
- Design and oversee process development programs across all stages (early / IND-enabling through BLA / commercial lifecycle).
- Guide scale-up, technology transfer, and validation activities across internal and external manufacturing sites.
- Drive the development of high-concentration formulations suitable for subcutaneous administration (e.g., >
100 mg / mL), including associated drug product process characterization.
External CDMO ManagementManage and oversee relationships with CDMOs for both drug substance and drug product development, ensuring scientific rigor, quality, and timelines.Serve as the technical lead for external development and manufacturing partnerships, including CDMO selection and oversight of SOWs, budgets, and technical deliverables.Organizational DevelopmentBuild and lead a high-performing CMC process development team, including technical experts and project leaders.Foster a culture of scientific excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and accountability.Regulatory SupportContribute to CMC sections of regulatory submissions (IND, IMPD, BLA / MAA), including process descriptions, validation strategies, and control strategies.Support regulatory agency interactions, inspections, and responses to information requests.Candidate Qualifications :
Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field.12+ years of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical process development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.Proven experience developing biologics processes from early-stage through commercial launch, including PPQ and lifecycle management.Demonstrated expertise in high-concentration biologics and associated drug product development challenges.Strong background in tech transfer, scale-up, and working with external CDMOs.Experience supporting global regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA, EMA).Experience in a lean, entrepreneurial biotech environment.Familiarity with integrated CMC program leadership or technical operations governance frameworks.Hands-on experience with aseptic drug product process development and container-closure systems.Strategic and enterprise mindsetDeep technical expertise with strong decision-making capabilityEffective communicator with cross-functional and external partnersProactive, solution-oriented leadership styleHigh standards of scientific rigor and compliance$240,000 - $330,000 a year
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.