AstraZeneca

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

AstraZeneca$184K — $276K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD, DABT, or advanced degree in toxicology, pharmacology, oncology, or a related field with a strong scientific background.
  • At least 10 years of experience in project or regulatory toxicology within pharmaceuticals, biotech, or CROs.
  • Candidates with substantial industry experience (15+ years) and a bachelor’s degree may also be considered.
  • Deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, specifically for IND filings.
  • Experience with radioconjugates or ADCs is preferred, along with familiarity with small molecule oncology therapies.
  • Proven ability in translational safety using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo tools.
  • Strong leadership in coordinating projects in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and oversight of toxicology programs to manage safety risks.
  • Apply toxicology expertise to provide insights for clinical safety across projects.
  • Integrate modern technologies to tackle complex safety assessments.
  • Communicate safety strategies and risk assessments effectively to governance bodies.
  • Maintain and expand knowledge of regulatory standards and safety methodologies.
  • Offer strategic toxicology insights for collaborations and external projects.
  • Promote and advance Oncology Safety science through internal and external relations.

Benefits

  • Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
  • Participate in equity-based long-term incentive program (for salaried roles).
  • Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).
  • Paid vacation and holidays, and paid leaves.
  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated Director, Project Toxicologist to join our OTD Safety group. This role will focus on novel targeted oncology therapies, including radioconjugates, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and small molecules. Experience with radioconjugates is particularly valued; however, candidates with expertise in other relevant modalities are encouraged to apply.

As a Project Toxicologist, you will partner with cross-functional teams across Oncology R&D, bridging discovery and regulatory toxicology. You will develop innovative safety strategies, guide candidate selection, inform regulatory approaches, and help shape the future of oncology safety science.

What you'll do
  • Lead toxicology strategies: Design and oversee regulatory and investigative toxicology programs to predict, assess, and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks.
  • Support development decisions: Apply your toxicology expertise to anticipate clinical safety risks and provide data-driven recommendations across discovery and development programs.
  • Advance safety science: Integrate in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches with emerging technologies, including organ-on-chip, imaging, and omics, to address complex safety questions.
  • Communicate integrated risk assessments: Present scientific conclusions and safety strategies to governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.
  • Provide regulatory and scientific leadership: Maintain and expand expertise in regulatory standards, preclinical safety, and modality-specific toxicology while anticipating industry trends and evolving methodologies.
  • Support external opportunities: Provide strategic toxicology input for in-licensing evaluations, due diligence activities, and external collaborations.
  • Build scientific influence: Advance Oncology Safety science through internal and external collaborations, publications, conference participation, and thought leadership.
  • Develop people and partnerships: Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative environment and support the development of colleagues across teams and geographies.


Essential qualifications and experience
  • Education: PhD, DABT, or an advanced university degree in toxicology, pharmacology, oncology, or a related scientific discipline, together with a strong scientific track record.
  • Professional experience: Typically, at least 10 years of experience in project toxicology, investigative toxicology, regulatory toxicology, or related safety-focused roles within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO sector.
  • Alternative experience pathway: Candidates with a minimum bachelor's degree and substantial additional pharmaceutical industry experience may also be considered, including candidates with approximately 15 or more years of relevant experience.
  • Oncology expertise: Deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, with a demonstrated ability to deliver toxicology programs supporting IND filings and broader development milestones.
  • Modality expertise: Experience with radioconjugates or ADCs is preferred. Familiarity with small-molecule oncology therapeutics is also valuable.
  • Translational safety skills: Experience applying in vitro, in silico, and in vivo tools to predict and characterize potential clinical safety risks.
  • Leadership and collaboration: Ability to coordinate multiple projects across functions and geographies while working effectively in a complex, matrixed environment.
  • Communication and influence: Strong scientific communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to inform decisions among scientific, clinical, and regulatory stakeholders.
  • Commitment to inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, collaboration, and team development, consistent with AstraZeneca's Great Place to Work objectives.


When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $184,538 and $276,808 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.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team and be part of something extraordinary!

Date Posted
18-Aug-2026

Closing Date

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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