Executive Director, Process Chemistry

Location:  This position may be performed remotely, but requires the flexibility and willingness to travel as needed.

The Opportunity

As Executive Director of Process Chemistry, you will be the enterprise leader for Praxis’ drug substance strategy across our full portfolio, spanning small molecules and oligonucleotides. You’ll set the vision and execution path for API development from early-stage clinical through global commercialization—aligning scientific innovation, regulatory foresight, and supply chain scalability to deliver high-impact therapies with speed and rigor. Operating as a key architect of our CMC strategy, you’ll integrate deeply with Research, Development, Manufacturing, and Commercial to ensure seamless translation from bench to bedside. This is a mission-critical role for a bold and visionary leader committed to accelerating patient impact.

Primary Responsibilities

• Own and drive the global API strategy across Praxis’ portfolio, ensuring scientific excellence, regulatory alignment, and supply chain scalability from IND through commercial launch. 
• Lead the design, development, and industrialization of robust, phase-appropriate drug substance processes—championing modern technologies such as continuous flow, biocatalysis, and digital process design. 
• Act as a thought leader and decision-maker in CMC governance forums, ensuring tight alignment between drug substance strategy and broader program objectives. 
• Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary ecosystem of internal talent and external partners (CROs/CDMOs), holding to the highest standards of execution, accountability, and innovation. 
• Define and execute vendor strategy, including partner selection, technical oversight, contract negotiation, and performance governance. 
• Ensure seamless integration with Analytical, Formulations, Regulatory, Quality, and Clinical Supply—driving unified CMC plans that anticipate risk and accelerate timelines. 
• Represent Praxis externally with regulators, partners, and scientific communities—contributing to our reputation as a science-driven, execution-focused innovator in CNS therapeutics.

Qualifications and Key Success Factors

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline. 
• 12+ years of progressive leadership in process development and CMC strategy, with deep expertise in both early-stage and late-stage development. 
• Proven track record of leading API development and scale-up through global regulatory submissions and commercial launch. 
• Deep technical knowledge spanning small molecules and oligonucleotides, with fluency in emerging manufacturing technologies. 
• Strong leadership in global vendor and alliance management, with a history of building and sustaining high-functioning external networks. 
• Strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to drive clarity in complexity. 
• Operates with urgency, scientific rigor, and enterprise thinking to enable bold patient impact.
• The physical and mental requirements of our roles include but are not limited to regular use of a computer, devices or other office equipment, clear communication, and occasional movement.  You'll need comfort with screen work, basic hand coordination, and focus.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Compensation & Benefits

At Praxis, we believe that taking care of our people (and their people) is important, so we provide a world class benefits package to help you thrive.  This includes 99% of the premium paid for medical, dental and vision plans.  We also provide company-paid life insurance, AD&D, disability benefits, and voluntary plans to personalize your coverage. Thinking about the future?  We match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% on eligible 401(k) contributions and sweeten the deal with long-term stock incentives and ESPP.  We provide a discretionary quarterly bonus, an extremely flexible wellness benefit, generous PTO, paid holidays and company-wide shutdowns.  Not to mention, you'll also be joining a phenomenal crew of colleagues who are smart, engaged and inspiring.  We aim high, collaborate hard, and produce results.  Let’s achieve the impossible together! 

To round out our world-class total rewards package, we provide annualized base salary compensation in the range listed below.  Final salary range may be modified commensurate with job level, education, and experience.