PRIMARY ROLE

Alto Neuroscience is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Vice President, Early-Stage Clinical Development. This role will lead the strategy and execution of early development activities across Alto’s portfolio, spanning toxicology and clinical pharmacology studies. The VP will provide both high-level scientific direction and hands-on operational oversight, ensuring that each program advances efficiently, compliantly, and with scientific rigor. This position is a critical member of Alto’s leadership team, driving decisions that bridge discovery science and clinical early-phase studies.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and execute integrated early development strategies that encompass nonclinical and clinical pharmacology and translational components for all pipeline assets.
• Lead the design, planning, and execution of IND-enabling and early clinical studies, ensuring scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with overall program goals.
• Partner closely with preclinical, translational/data science, clinical operations, bioanalytical, CMC, and regulatory teams to create cohesive development plans that balance risk, speed, and quality.
• Oversee vendor and CRO relationships to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality study execution.
• Provide leadership to cross-functional program teams, driving decision-making and accountability across internal and external contributors.
• Represent early development functions within the company’s leadership team, contributing to portfolio strategy, program prioritization, and organizational growth.
• Serve as a scientific and operational point of contact for regulators, advisors, and external partners.
• Build and mentor a small, high-performing early development team as the portfolio scales.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards (e.g., GxP, ICH, FDA/EMA expectations) as well as Alto’s internal quality systems and SOPs.

LOCATION

Mountain View, CA or Remote

SALARY RANGE

$285,000 - $305,000

Depending on qualifications and experience level.

Compensation includes a base salary, an annual target bonus, and an equity grant.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD preferred) in a relevant discipline.
• 7-10 years of experience in drug development, with deep expertise in toxicology, clinical pharmacology, and early-stage clinical strategy.
• Demonstrated success leading IND-enabling programs and early-phase clinical studies in biotech or pharma environments.
• Ability to think creatively for a non-traditional sequence of studies around nonclinical and clinical pharmacology planning.
• Strong grasp of regulatory expectations and clinical pharmacology methodologies supporting first-in-human and early proof-of-concept development.
• Proven ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in day-to-day program execution.
• Experience managing CROs and external partners, with a focus on quality, cost, and operational performance.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial organization where priorities evolve rapidly and cross-functional collaboration is essential

Why Alto

At Alto Neuroscience, you will play a pivotal role in advancing precision psychiatry and improving how mental health disorders are treated. Join us in building the next generation of personalized neuroscience-based therapeutics.

Alto Neuroscience is an equal-opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.

#LI - Remote