Associate Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery- Safety Science & Discovery

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an Associate Director in Oncology Safety Science to lead toxicology strategies and collaborate with teams on innovative drug discovery. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in a related field, significant experience in toxicology and drug development, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the discovery of targeted oncology medicines at their Cambridge location. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to our mission.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with a strong track record.
• Substantial experience in toxicology and drug development.
• Ability to design in vitro and/or in vivo experiments.

Responsibilities

• Direct discovery toxicology strategies for risk assessment.
• Design and conduct innovative toxicology studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on drug discovery.

Skills

Excellent scientist

Experience in toxicology

Strong background in in vitro models

Expertise in Oncology

Collaborative approach

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery- Safety Science & Discovery

Location: Cambridge

Salary: Competitive

At AstraZeneca, our bold ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, supported by our rich pipeline aimed at delivering innovative treatment options for patients. Our Oncology Safety colleagues play a crucial role in this mission by accelerating innovative and expert non-clinical safety science. We are seeking an Associate Director, Oncology Safety Science to contribute to the discovery and safety evaluation of novel targeted oncology medicines, primarily focusing on Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Radio-conjugates (RCs). Collaborating with scientists across our Oncology R&D organization, you will develop in vitro and in vivo safety strategies to address drug target- and modality-related safety risks, driving the progression of drug discovery programs and influencing the design and selection of novel drug candidates. This role is based in Cambridge, UK, where you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills alongside experts and leaders in various fields.

Accountabilities

• As a core member of multidisciplinary drug discovery teams, direct discovery toxicology strategies to predict, assess, and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks, focusing on ADCs and RCs.
• Design and conduct innovative toxicology studies (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) to predict, assess, and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks in discovery programs and inform decision-making.
• Develop and implement innovative safety science solutions and research proposals to advance cutting‑edge science and technologies in line with business and safety needs.
• Maintain expertise in preclinical safety strategies for ADCs and RCs, with an awareness of industry trends.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams within Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS) and Oncology R&D to develop and adapt safety screening strategies for advancing drug discovery programs.
• Publish in high‑quality, peer‑reviewed journals, and present at internal scientific meetings and external conferences.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Excellent scientist with a PhD (or equivalent) in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Molecular & Cell Biology, Oncology, Immunology or related field, a strong scientific track record, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
• Substantial experience in toxicology, drug discovery and development, with a strong track record of independent research in industry, biotech, or academic settings.
• Strong background in building and validating complex in vitro models for toxicology, delivering decision‑making data.
• Expertise in Oncology and targeted therapeutics and awareness of drug safety aspects of ADCs and/or RCs.
• Experience in designing and executing in vitro and/or in vivo experiments to determine the effects of therapeutics on biological systems.
• Ability develop testable hypotheses, and drive scientific learning.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented approach, with proven problem‑solving skills focused on goals and the capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and influencing skills across levels and subject areas with a strong desire to drive personal development.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Knowledge in incorporating quantitative systems pharmacology and toxicology (QSP/QST) approaches with in vitro data to predict clinical safety risks is a plus.
• In vitro imaging expertise (e.g., confocal microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, and other high‑throughput methods), as well as hands‑on experience with mAb/ADC internalization assays, are desirable.

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.

AstraZeneca is a place where diverse minds come together united by a shared passion to learn, grow, and discover. Our scientific community seamlessly fuses academia with industry expertise. We celebrate successes while learning from the best. With female leaders holding 45% of senior roles internally and 475 pre‑clinical collaborations across 26 countries externally, we are committed to expediting research in some of the hardest‑to‑treat cancers. Join us to build a meaningful career as part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of millions with cancer.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

We welcome your application no later than 11th of January 2026

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

17-Dec-2025

Closing Date

11-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.