Stiefel Laboratories, which based its research and development headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C., is intensifying its R&D efforts by naming its first chief scientific officer.

Filling the role is Dr. Gavin Corcoran, who joined Stiefel in 2005. Corcoran will be based in RTP.

Stiefel, which is privately held, maintains five R&D centers. Corcoran will oversee the R&D efforts and also direct support, medical and scientific affairs, clinical and pre-clinical research, pharmacovigilance, portfolio planning and regulatory affairs.

“Gavin’s promotion to chief scientific officer is a testament to the wonderful work he has done for Stiefel since he came on board,” said Brent Stiefel, executive vice president for global development and product portfolio. “We chose Gavin to lead our R&D division because his vast experience along with his keen understanding of the industry arms him with the insight that will improve today’s skin treatments and develop tomorrow’s solutions.”

Corcoran had been the company’s senior vice president for global research and development.