IDEAYA Biosciences is hiring: Senior Director, Medical Writing in South San Fran

IDEAYA Biosciences is a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer. Our approach integrates expertise in small‑molecule drug discovery, structural biology and bioinformatics with robust internal capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers to develop tailored, potentially first‑in‑class targeted therapies aligned to the genetic drivers of disease. We have built a deep pipeline of product candidates focused on synthetic lethality and antibody‑drug conjugates, or ADCs, for molecularly defined solid tumor indications. Our mission is to bring forth the next wave of precision oncology therapies that are more selective, more effective, and deeply personalized with the goal of altering the course of disease and improving clinical outcomes for patients with cancer.

Location: South San Francisco

Position Summary

IDEAYA is seeking a highly motivated, well‑organized, and skilled Senior Director, Medical Writing to provide strategic and operational leadership across oncology programs spanning early‑ and late‑stage development. This role is responsible for delivering high‑quality regulatory and clinical documents that support global development and registration strategies. It will partner closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, and Clinical Operations to ensure scientifically rigorous, compliant, and timely documentation.

Reporting to: Senior Vice President, Medical Writing and Project Management

What you’ll do

• Lead authoring strategy and oversee the successful development of clinical and regulatory documents (e.g., INDs, NDAs, BLAs, MAAs, Protocols, IBs/DSURs, CSRs, Briefing Documents) in accordance with applicable global regulatory requirements


• Translate complex oncology and biomarker‑driven data into clear, scientifically accurate, compliant, submission‑ready documentation


• Plan and manage medical writing activities, timelines, and resources across multiple programs


• Lead cross‑functional document reviews, resolve feedback, and drive documents to approval


• Work effectively with cross‑functional teams by creating an atmosphere of openness and trust


• Oversee vendors, budgets, and resources for medical writing


• Lead a medical writing team to successfully meet the portfolio needs

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MS) in life sciences


• 10–12 years of medical writing experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry, including 5+ years in a leadership role supervising a medical writing team


• Proven leadership experience supporting INDs and at least one major regulatory submission in oncology


• Demonstrated expertise in authoring and overseeing a broad range of clinical and regulatory documents


• Strong knowledge of global regulatory requirements (ICH, GCP, CTD/eCTD)


• Proven ability to manage complex projects and influence cross‑functional teams


• Experience managing direct reports, contractors, and/or vendors


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Experience with innovative technologies to expedite document preparation (e.g., artificial intelligence tools)


• Experience working in small to mid‑sized biotech or fast‑growth environments with novel oncology modalities


• Advanced knowledge of scientific medical writing principles, tools and practices in oncology


• Strategic thinking, scientific rigor, strong leadership and team development with high attention to detail and quality focus


• Strong interpersonal skills, including excellent written and effective communication skills with senior stakeholders


• Self‑motivated, with initiative and the ability to take ownership of, and follow through on specific tasks, initiatives or programs


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment


• Staff development experience a plus

Total Rewards

Along with our inspiring mission and highly collaborative and inclusive environment, IDEAYA offers a competitive total rewards package that reflects our pay‑for‑performance philosophy where employees are eligible to be considered for merit‑based salary increases, company discretionary short‑term incentive plan participation, and company discretionary stock option awards (based on board approval). Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical/dental/vision coverage (100% company paid for employees and 90% company paid for dependents), 401(k), ESPP, and wellness programs.

The expected salary range for Senior Director, Medical Writing is $245,000 – $302,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors including location, experience, education, and performance.

IDEAYA is an equal‑opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, IDEAYA does not discriminate in hiring or otherwise in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/AA/Vets.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please get in touch with us at hr@ideayabio.com.