Senior Clinical Development Medical Director
Listed compensation
$318k-$402k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.
Job Description
Summary/Job Purpose
In collaboration with the Exelixis clinical teams, the primary role is to lead and execute early/late stage clinical trials for oncology products in development. Participates in the design/planning of clinical studies and helps with the interpretation of study results.
Establishes and approves scientific methods for design and implementation of clinical protocols, data collection systems and final reports. May recruit clinical investigators for research studies. Responsibilities also include adverse event reporting and safety responsibilities monitoring. Monitors adherence to protocols and determines study completion.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Design, prepare and initiate study protocols and other required documentation in compliance with project plans, federal regulations, GCP and good medical practice.
- Act as medical monitor for company sponsored trials.
- Support project teams with therapeutic area specific information.
- Collaborate with internal safety group in analyzing and reporting of safety data from clinical trials.
- Analyze and interpret other clinical trial data and prepare reports for regulatory agencies and publication.
- Interact with key opinion leaders and investigators in relevant disease specific area.
- Ensure consistency of scientific and development strategies for oncology products in development.
- Maintain the highest level of scientific and clinical knowledge in relevant disease specific area.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
May on case-by-case basis supervise employees, both directly and indirectly through a dotted line structure or via other subordinate supervisors.
Education/Experience/Knowledge & Skills
Education/Experience:
MD (board certification or eligibility in Oncology or Hematology/Oncology desirable but not essential) required with a minimum of 8 years of post-residency experience.
Equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience/The Ideal for Successful Entry Into Job
Drug development experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, or a combination of academia and industry. Note: Individuals with extensive academic experience but without experience in the pharmaceutical industry may be considered
Hands-on experience in the design, execution, and reporting of controlled clinical trials in oncology.
Participated in clinical oncology studies with molecular targeted or immunological therapies.
Understanding of basic science relevant to clinical oncology (biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology and/or genetics).
Knowledge/Skills
- Proven ability to effectively work in a cross-functional/matrix environment
- Uses broad expertise or unique knowledge and skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
- Develops technical and/or business solutions to complex problems.
- Identifies and implements methods, techniques, procedures and evaluation criteria to achieve results.
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with significant key opinion leaders.
- Strong interpersonal, influencing, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Job Complexity
Works on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors
- Works on abstract problems across functional areas of the business
- Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation of criteria for obtaining results.
- Regularly interacts with executives and/or major customers.
Location
Alameda, CA Range for this position: $318,000 - $402,000 The base pay offered will take into account job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors.
In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan.
Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.
Exelixis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the recruiting process, please email us at: ApplicantAccommodations@exelixis.com.
Exelixis is an E-Verify employer.
Working Conditions
Our office is a modern space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure a comfortable workspace.
Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and execute early to late-stage clinical trials for oncology products while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and GCP. Act as a medical monitor, analyze safety data, and collaborate with internal teams and key opinion leaders to drive development strategies.
Requirements
Requires an MD degree with at least 8 years of post-residency experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Hands-on experience in the design and execution of controlled clinical trials in oncology is essential.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 10+ years of experience
Certifications
Key Skills
Medical Affairs — Physician Career Context
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$360k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $325k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Medical Affairs pay on WeekdayDoc is up 4.6% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $318k–$402k | Medical Affairs median $315k (middle half $285k–$338k)18 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$325k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Medical Affairs listings in California | 41 active | 274 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | sign-on bonus | California physician listings (all specialties): 31% state a sign-on bonus (median $100k) · 28% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| Medical Affairs hiring demand | #6 of 28 specialties | postings stay open a median 69 daysWeekdayDoc Hiring Index, October 2026 · 162 postings, 36 closed |
| New Medical Affairs listings | 97 in the last 30 days | 94 the 30 days before (+3%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Medical Affairs pay trend | +4.6% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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