Head of Project Toxicology

Evotec; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in the United Kingdom is seeking a VP, Head of Project Toxicology. This role requires defining and leading safety assessment strategies across the drug discovery portfolio, mentoring a high-performing team, and serving as a trusted expert in safety strategy for various programs. The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in Toxicology and leadership skills within cross-functional teams, with an educational background in a related scientific discipline like Toxicology or Pharmacology.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Toxicology within biotech or pharma environments.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams effectively.
• Strong background in preparing IND/CTA submissions.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead safety assessment strategy for drug discovery.
• Mentor a team of toxicologists.
• Support Discovery teams with safety strategy.

Skills

Senior-level experience in Toxicology

Leadership of interdisciplinary teams

Exceptional communication skills

Advancing programs from preclinical to clinical

Expertise in preclinical drug discovery

Stakeholder management skills

Knowledge of regulatory safety guidelines

Organisational and planning capabilities

Problem-solving skills

Education

BSc, MSc, or PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biology

Job description

Purpose of the Role

As the VP, Head of Project Toxicology, you will define and lead the safety assessment strategy across Evotec drug discovery and development portfolio, ensuring robust, science‑driven decision‑making from early concept through regulatory submission. Serving as the key interface between discovery and development safety, you will shape the direction of our programs, strengthen strategic partnerships, and foster high‑impact collaboration across diverse modalities and therapeutic areas. You will lead and develop a high‑performing team of toxicology experts while working closely with senior leaders across the organisation and our global partners to deliver integrated, forward‑looking safety strategies. This role may be based at any of our global sites, with flexible working arrangements available.

Core Accountabilities

• Own and advance the organisation’s safety strategy for both internal programs and external partnerships, ensuring Evotec’s toxicology framework remains innovative, data‑driven, and scientifically robust.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a team of expert toxicologists, providing strong scientific leadership, strategic direction, and a culture of continual learning.
• Provide pivotal support to Discovery teams across small‑ and large‑molecule programs, expertly guiding safety strategy from Target Safety Assessment through Development Candidate (DC) nomination.
• Serve as a trusted subject matter expert to Discovery and Development teams, enabling effective design, execution, and interpretation of regulatory toxicology studies in support of Phase 1 clinical trials and beyond.
• Build and maintain collaborative, trusted relationships with global clients, aligning on safety strategy and ensuring seamless, shared progress toward program objectives.
• Work closely with colleagues across internal functions to foster strong integration, transparent communication, and cohesive decision‑making across the portfolio.
• Model and cultivate a culture of ownership, trust, accountability, and empowerment across the team and broader organisation.

Capability, Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive senior‑level experience in Toxicology, gained within biotech, pharma, and/or CRO environments, with a strong understanding of the strategic and operational demands of project‑driven organisations.
• Demonstrated leadership of interdisciplinary, cross‑functional teams, with the ability to influence, motivate, and align diverse scientific and operational groups within a complex matrix setting.
• Exceptional communication and scientific synthesis skills, capable of integrating complex data to deliver clear, actionable, and risk‑balanced recommendations to project teams, partners, and senior leadership.
• Proven track record of advancing programs from preclinical discovery into clinical development, across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas.
• Deep expertise in preclinical drug discovery models, with the ability to synthesise complex scientific strategies, navigate uncertainty, and align preclinical plans with development objectives.
• Highly skilled in managing challenging stakeholder dynamics, resolving conflict, and ensuring effective collaboration across discovery, clinical, regulatory, and operational functions.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and contributing to successful IND/CTA submissions for both small‑molecule and biologic programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of global regulatory safety guidelines, and their practical application across different modalities and therapeutic landscapes.
• Strong organisational and planning capabilities, with meticulous attention to detail and effective time‑management skills in a fast‑paced environment.
• Creative, strategic problem‑solver with a growth mindset, demonstrating adaptability, curiosity, and an openness to new approaches and emerging science.

Education and Qualifications

• BSc, MSc, or PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline, with substantial relevant experience.
• DBAT, ERT, UKRT or equivalent professional certification is desirable.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.
ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.