Associate Director, Drug Substance

Job Title: Associate Director, Drug Substance

Department: CMC

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA or San Francisco, CA

Position Type: Full Time

Reporting to: Director of Drug Substance and Development

Company Description: 

Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a private, early-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing the next generation of non-opioid medicines for pain and pain-related syndromes. Our mission is the development of novel therapies that transform the lives of patients. The company is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, CA and has a highly successful management team and an experienced Board of Directors. At Latigo, we value science, patient-focus, and innovation. 

Position Description: 

Latigo is searching for an Associate Director of Drug Substance Development/CMC.  Reporting to the Director of Drug Substance and Development, the Associate Director will assist in the development and GMP drug substance manufacturing for Latigo’s small molecule clinical pipeline. 

Job responsibilities

• Lead drug substance development activities for NCE programs from preclinical through clinical and commercial stages.


• Design, optimize, and scale synthetic routes with a focus on efficiency, robustness, cost, and sustainability.


• Provide expert input on impurity control strategies, starting material selection, and control of critical process parameters.

• Contribute to overall CMC development strategy and timelines for assigned programs.


• Author, review, and support drug substance sections of regulatory submissions (IND, CTA, NDA, IMPD)

• Manage and oversee activities at CMOs, including process transfer, scale-up, cGMP manufacturing, and troubleshooting.


• Ensure effective communication, technical oversight, and performance management of external partners.


• Manage and review deviation events and investigations in coordination with CMC counterparts, QA and regulatory team members


• Represent drug substance function in CMC teams and project meetings, and work closely with cross-functional teams to meet project timelines and goals

Experience and Required Skills:

• PhD or MS degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, and at least 5 years of hands-on experience in small molecule drug development


• Strong understanding of organic synthesis and ability to direct and guide the work of CMOs


• Strong understanding of cGMP regulations and manufacturing


• Early-stage development of pre-clinical and clinical API’s experience is highly desirable


• Prior experience in managing either internal or external projects is a plus

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Familiarity with US and international regulatory CMC guidance and processes


• Prior experience filing INDs and NDA experience is a plus


• Strong team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Excellent computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, Project)


• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects at once


• Ability to work both independently and in a team focused environment


• Limited travel may be required (less than 20%)