Head of External In Vivo Toxicology

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bio-pharmaceutical company in Cambridge is seeking a Head of External In Vivo Toxicology to lead a team overseeing regulatory toxicology studies. The role demands extensive experience in in-vivo toxicology and strong knowledge of GLP standards. The successful candidate will influence strategy and ensure compliance with AstraZeneca's rigorous standards while working in a hybrid model.

Benefits

Flexible employee benefits fund

Holiday purchase and flexible time off

Pension contributions

Performance recognition scheme

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• 10+ years in in-vivo toxicology for pharmaceuticals, experience in Pharma/BioPharma and CROs.
• Hands-on experience with various in-vivo toxicology studies.
• Experience with ethical review processes across territories.

Responsibilities

• Lead a matrixed team of in vivo toxicologists overseeing regulatory studies.
• Ensure studies comply with AstraZeneca specifications.
• Influence AZ strategy for externalisation.

Skills

In-vivo toxicology expertise

Strong knowledge of GLP standards

People development

Exceptional communication skills

Education

PhD or equivalent in toxicology

Job description

Head of External In Vivo Toxicology

Cambridge UK – Hybrid (3 days on site per week)

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio‑pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting‑edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. We believe in the potential of our people, and you’ll develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion by actively supporting you to ensure realisation of your potential. You’ll join an energised team and work on projects that offer a wide range of ongoing learning and career development opportunities.

Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!

We are seeking an experienced toxicologist to lead the in vivo toxicology group within CPSS’s Regulatory Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology department. This pivotal role will see you lead a large team of in vivo toxicologists overseeing regulatory toxicology studies at Contract Research Organisations (CROs), supporting the clinical development of assets within the AstraZeneca portfolio. The successful candidate will ensure all studies are designed, conducted, and reported to AstraZeneca’s rigorous standards, playing a key part in driving our scientific and regulatory excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a large, matrixed team of in vivo toxicologists responsible for the oversight of regulatory toxicology studies performed at CROs.
• Ensure all studies are designed, implemented, and reported according to AstraZeneca’s specifications and standards.
• Provide expert oversight of in vivo toxicology studies to support the clinical development of pharmaceutical assets.
• Navigate and lead in a complex, matrixed Big Pharma environment and the wider CRO landscape.
• Champion best practice in the conduct, ethical review, and reporting of in vivo toxicology studies across multiple global territories.
• Cultivate people development and team growth, maintaining a high‑performing and collaborative group.
• Communicate effectively and influence both internal and external collaborators, including regulatory agencies, business partners, and CROs.
• Coach immediate and wider team members through problem solving.
• Influence AZ strategy for externalisation and evolve our ways of working.

Requirements

• At least 10 years’ experience in in‑vivo toxicology for the safety assessment of pharmaceuticals, spanning both Pharma/BioPharma and CRO environments.
• Strong awareness and practical knowledge of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards.
• Expertise in studies involving the full range of laboratory species, including rodents and non‑rodents (dogs, pigs, non‑human primates).
• Hands‑on experience with all types of in‑vivo toxicology studies, such as MTD/DRF, FTIH, chronic general toxicology, carcinogenicity, safety pharmacology, and DART.
• Demonstrated experience of ethical review processes for in‑vivo toxicology across various territories.
• Familiarity with a range of modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and emerging modalities.
• Proven track record in line management of large, multidisciplinary and matrixed teams.
• Skills in people development and team leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Desirables

• PhD, DABT, or further recognised qualification in toxicology.
• Experience as a Project Toxicologist or Toxicology Subject Matter Expert.
• Background in alliance management or developing business‑to‑business partnerships.

In Office Requirement

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.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity, no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life‑changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial – finding those moments and recognising their potential. Join us on our journey. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting‑edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come join our journey.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Date Posted

31‑Oct‑2025

Closing Date

15‑Nov‑2025

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.