About Character Biosciences

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success.

Our interdisciplinary team spans human genetics, clinical science, data science and engineering, and drug discovery and development. We are advancing two programs for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) into the clinic, with additional discovery-stage programs underway.

Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed $110+ million Series B in 2025 co-led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Innovation Endeavors, Sanofi Ventures, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD.

Role: Sr. Medical Director (or Executive Medical Director or VP of Clinical Development)

Reports to: CMO

Department: Clinical

Team: Interventional Study

Level: TBD

Location: Jersey City, NJ; Brisbane, CA; and/or Remote

As the Senior Medical Director (Ophthalmology/Retina) , you will serve as the medical and scientific lead overseeing  clinical programs to advance development of novel therapeutics for dry AMD. You will design and execute clinical development plans from Ph 1 through Ph 3. You will ensure the highest standards of clinical judgment, quality, and impact across all projects and teams. The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of substantive retina clinical trial experience with a demonstrable track record of success with meaningful novel retinal therapeutics. This position reports to the Chief Medical Officer with flexibility for hybrid or remote work, including up to 20% travel to key sites, meetings, and partners. Proximity to the Brisbane, CA or Jersey City, NJ offices preferred.

Core Responsibilities

Clinical Trial Design & Execution

• Serve as the medical and scientific lead for 1–2 Phase 2 retinal (dry AMD) clinical trials, directly driving protocol development, execution, and analysis.
• Actively participate in the day-to-day operational management of ongoing trials, collaborating with clinical operations and CROs to ensure quality and timeline adherence.
• Lead the clinical review, ongoing medical monitoring, and assessment of trial data, patient safety, and protocol deviations; be the primary medical point-of-contact for investigative sites.
• Oversee and participate in the resolution of clinical trial issues, including making recommendations for protocol amendments or trial modifications as new data emerges.

Regulatory Documentation & Compliance

• Author, review, and approve clinical trial protocols, informed consent documents, Investigator Brochures, clinical study reports, and other essential study-related documentation.
• Prepare, review, and contribute to regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs, CTAs, periodic safety reports) and address regulatory authority queries related to retinal programs.
• Support regulatory agency and IRB/EC meetings by preparing briefing materials and presenting medical and scientific rationale for study design and conduct.

KOL & Site Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retina Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and study investigators; engage them for study design feedback, recruitment strategy, and protocol feasibility.
• Lead and participate in investigator meetings; deliver protocol training and address clinical questions from sites.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, on expert panels, and in forums dedicated to retina diseases, particularly dry AMD.

Internal & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including clinical operations, data management, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and medical writing, to align on study conduct, safety, and data quality.
• Act as the clinical subject matter expert in cross-functional clinical study and project team meetings, providing retina-focused input on strategy, data review, and operational challenges.

Continuous Learning & Thought Leadership

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of scientific advancements and competitors in dry AMD and retinal diseases, integrating emerging best practices into trial design and execution.
• Support the publication and presentation of significant clinical trial results—contributing to scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and conference presentations.

Education & Certifications

• MD or DO required.
• Ophthalmology residency training required
• Board certification in ophthalmology strongly preferred.
• Fellowship training in retina highly desirable.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years of industry experience working on AMD clinical trials (5+ for Exec Director, 8+ for VP)
• Demonstrated leadership in complex clinical or industry settings, with deep therapeutic expertise in AMD 
• Strong track record of influencing program direction and shaping medical strategy for retina clinical programs.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent retina clinical trials and collaborating with retina experts.
• Knowledge of GCP/ICH guidelines
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Fluent in English (verbal and written).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approx. 20%)

Compensation & Benefits

The annual pay range for this full-time position:

Sr. Medical Dir: $330,000/yr - $390,000/yr

Executive Medical Dir: $370,000/yr - $420,000/yr

VP, Clinical Dev:  $380,000/yr - $440,000/yr

+ equity + benefits. 

This salary range represents the expected base compensation for this role and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, and level.

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), an accrued paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture.

EEO Statement

Character Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.