Project Toxicologist, Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences

Project Toxicologist, Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences

At AstraZeneca, it is our bold ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This is underpinned by our rich pipeline aimed to deliver innovative treatment options for patients. OTD Safety colleagues contribute to this ambition by accelerating innovative and expert non-clinical safety science.

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated and passionate individual to join us as a Director, Project Toxicologist, OTD Safety to contribute to the development of novel targeted oncology medicines, including Radio Conjugates, Antibody Drug Conjugates and Small Molecules. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with experience with radio conjugates but also welcome applications from candidates with experience in other modality types. In collaboration with scientists across our Oncology R&D organization, this role will focus on the interface between the discovery and regulatory toxicology team, develop regulatory toxicology strategies to address drug target- and modality-related safety risks, drive progression and acceleration of drug development programs, and develop our safety science to inform the design and selection of novel drug candidates. This role will be based at one of our vibrant R&D sites in either Boston Area, MA or Gaithersburg, MD (Washington DC area) (60% onsite hybrid working). 

Within AstraZeneca we place a strong emphasis on talent development. You will be able to develop your knowledge and skills by working together with experts and leaders in Oncology R&D, safety sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, drug discovery and development, imaging, pathology, and translational science. 

Job responsibilities include

• As core member of the project toxicology team, you will design regulatory and investigative toxicology studies to and devise a strategy to predict, assess and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks on project teams, with a focus on Radio Conjugates, Antibody-Drug Conjugates or Small Molecules. 

• Apply your toxicology knowledge to predict clinical safety risks and inform decision-making in drug discovery and development programs. 

• Develop and implement innovative solutions to combine regulatory toxicology with cutting edge science and technologies to progress novel drug candidates to the clinic and through development to the market, in line with business needs. 

• Communicate clear positions on integrated risk assessments in various formats including informing decision-making governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.

• Maintain expertise in regulatory requirements and preclinical safety approaches applied to relevant modalities and awareness of industry trends. 

• Provide specialist non-clinical safety expertise for evaluation of in-licensing opportunities.

• Develop Oncology Safety science through collaborative networks across AstraZeneca R&D, external collaborations, publications etc. 

Education/Experience Requirements

• Excellent scientist with a PhD and/or DABT in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Oncology or related field, a strong scientific track record, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. 

• Experience working as a Project Toxicologist, Investigative Toxicologist or similar safety focussed role within the pharmaceutical/biotech/CRO project environment with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

• A proven understanding of drug discovery and development and track record of delivering toxicology programs to enable progression of candidates into the clinic.

• Expertise in Oncology, and preferably a solid understanding of drug safety aspects of Radio Conjugates or ADCs.  

• Experience delivering non-clinical toxicology studies in support of IND applications.

• Experience with the use of in vitro, in silico and in vivo approaches to predict clinical risks for oncology therapeutics; familiarity with organ-on-chip, imaging and omics for mechanistic insight

• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, able to solve problems in a goal-focused fashion with capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects. 

• Able to work independently and deliver toxicology risk assessments in drug development.

• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and influencing skills across levels/subject areas with a strong desire to drive personal development.

• Experience and desire to work with teams across geographies including awareness of inclusion and diversity. Adopting a working style that is inclusive and collegiate, contributing to our Great Place to Work objectives.

• Due to the diverse nature of the AstraZeneca Oncology portfolio, we have opportunities for Project Toxicologists to support a range of modalities across various phases of development.

Why AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca is where science meets data to develop bold solutions that make a tangible difference. We challenge the status quo by digging deep into data using cutting-edge methodologies to drive scientific breakthroughs. Our high-exposure roles allow us to shape deliverables while embracing global opportunities across all Therapy Areas. With a restless need for improvement, we foster an inspiring learning environment where every setback is an opportunity for growth. We combine specialist knowledge with curiosity, always searching for better ways to achieve the best results. Our dedication ensures that we put patients first while expanding our knowledge through collaboration across functions.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team at AstraZeneca!

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $178,540.80 and $267,811.20 USD Annual. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

19-Dec-2025

Closing Date

22-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.