Executive Medical Director, Clinical Development

Oruka Therapeutics

Executive Medical Director leading design, execution, and oversight of clinical trials at Oruka Therapeutics. Collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring trial execution meets objectives.

Posted 4/30/2026full-timeMenlo Park • California, Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $331,000 - $368,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Google Cloud Platform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Executive Medical Director of Clinical Development plays a key role in leading the design, execution, and oversight of clinical trials at an asset level, ensuring high-quality data generation to support the safety and efficacy of our pipeline products.
This role involves leading and developing a team and contributing to and influencing clinical development strategy across an asset, including study design, implementation, and data interpretation, while working cross-functionally to align clinical activities with overall development plans.
The Executive Medical Director collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure trial execution meets regulatory, scientific, and business objectives in a fast-paced environment.
The role reports to the Vice President of Clinical Development.
Drives the clinical development strategy for one or more assets.
Identifies critical clinical development milestones and ensures team alignment and accountability toward meeting timelines.
Provides leadership to the clinical team’s contribution to clinical study reports, key clinical documents, and regulatory submissions.
Directly manages and/or mentors Medical Directors, Clinical Scientists and other team members as appropriate.
Leads and contributes to the development of clinical trial protocols, including patient selection criteria, study endpoints, and data collection methods.
Oversees the conduct of clinical trials, ensuring adherence to protocols and good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines, working closely with CROs and external partners to ensure efficient execution.
Reviews and interprets clinical data to assess the safety and efficacy of the investigational drug, driving timely, data-driven decisions.
Manages the clinical contribution to documents required during development (including but not limited to: Clinical Study Protocols, Investigator Brochures, Clinical Study Reports).

Requirements

What you’ll need

Medical degree (MD) ideally with board certification in a relevant specialty
Extensive experience in clinical research and development, including within the pharmaceutical industry with progression of career demonstrating clinical leadership
Proven people leadership experience, including managing and developing direct reports in small or growing teams
Strong understanding of clinical trial design, GCP guidelines, and regulatory requirements, ideally with Phase 2 and 3 clinical study experience
Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills
Demonstrated ability to contribute to and influence clinical strategy while driving hands-on execution
Experience working in a small or emerging biotech environment, with comfort operating in a fast-paced setting.

Benefits

Comp & perks

A chance to be part of a vibrant startup culture where your work can directly impact bringing new medicines to patients.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
A supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

clinical trial designclinical researchdata interpretationclinical study protocolsGCP guidelinesregulatory submissionsdata collection methodsclinical study reportsinvestigational drug safety assessmentPhase 2 clinical study experience

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationanalytical skillsteam managementinfluencing strategymentoringaccountabilitycollaborationadaptabilityproblem-solving

Certifications

Medical degree (MD)board certification in relevant specialty