ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.

Senior Director, Drug Development & Consulting – Cell and Gene Therapy (Rare Disease)

At ICON plc, we are driven by commitment to People, Clients, and Performance. We are seeking a strategic Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) expert to join our Drug Development & Consulting team in a highly visible, client-facing role.

This position offers the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across the industry, including CEOs, CMOs, and other CGT Therapeutic Area Heads. You will deliver bespoke, asset-centric solutions while shaping cell and gene therapy drug development strategies across the full lifecycle.

The Role

This is a consultative and advisory role where you will serve as a key scientific partner to both external clients and internal teams. Often acting as the first technical point of contact, you will play a critical role in pre-sales activities, proposal strategy, and long-term partnership development within cell and gene therapy therapeutic areas (TAs).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic cell and gene therapy drug development program design, delivering tailored, asset-focused solutions
• Own end-to-end protocol development, including design, scientific review, and evaluation for CGT clinical trials across Phases I–IV
• Partner directly with senior client stakeholders (e.g., CMO, TA Heads, Clinical Development leadership) to provide expert guidance on CGT development strategy and data interpretation
• Act as scientific and strategic lead in proposal development, study/operational strategy, and within Cell and Gene Therapy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Cell and Gene Therapy key opinion leaders (KOLs), advisory boards, and relevant regulatory authorities
• Contribute to the development of CGT-focused service offerings, supporting innovation and growth in CGT therapeutic areas
• Provide training, mentorship, and thought leadership in Cell and Gene Therapy to internal teams and external partners
• Participate in portfolio reviews, governance discussions, and scientific oversight of CGT programs
• Support operational teams with high-level scientific input, including investigator meetings, operational strategy and CGT-specific study discussions
• Represent the organization at Cell and Gene Therapy congresses and scientific forums to promote clinical excellence and scientific leadership

What You Bring

• Deep, recognized expertise in Cell and Gene Therapy drug development – Cell Therapy, Gene Therapy, RNA Therapy
• Strong understanding of CGT clinical trial design, trial operations, biomarkers, endpoints, and evolving therapeutic landscapes
• Proven ability to operate in a strategic, client-facing, consultative environment within pharmaceutical or clinical research settings
• Experience engaging and influencing senior scientific and clinical stakeholders across industry and academia
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex CGT data into clear, actionable development insights
• Collaborative, global mindset with strong cross-functional leadership capability
• MD or PhD ideally with specialization or substantial clinical/research experience in Cell and Gene Therapy inclusive of operational expertise.

Additional Information

• 20- 40% travel (domestic and international)
• Opportunity to work in a highly visible, impact-driven role shaping the future of Cell and Gene Therapy drug development

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Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
• Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
• Retirement and pension plans
• Life assurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply