Director Occupational Toxicology

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 144,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is seeking a Director of Occupational Toxicology to lead a global team ensuring rigorous health risk assessments and regulatory compliance across the globe. You will shape strategies for PDEs, OELs and safety documentation, while guiding toxicology support for nonclinical and project teams.

The role demands a strong track record in occupational toxicology, QA/QMS, and cross-functional leadership within a matrix pharma environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in toxicology or related biomedical science required; in lieu of degree additional experience considered.
• 10+ years in senior strategic Safety, Health and Environment in pharma/biologics.
• Proven technical science writing for chemical risk assessment.
• Must have experience in occupational and quality toxicology assessments.
• Familiar with worker and patient safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a global toxicology team supporting hazard/risk assessments.
• Oversee PDEs/OEL strategy to meet near- and long-term needs.
• Establish health-based exposure limits and regulatory documentation.
• Provide toxicology support to nonclinical safety groups and project teams.
• Prepare risk assessments for GHS/CLP and Dangerous Goods.
• Implement risk management processes for workplace chemical safety.
• Manage occupational testing programs to global standards.
• Support aquatic release limit setting and product quality risk.
• Maintain expertise in drug nonclinical safety and occupational health.

Skills

Toxicology expertise

People leadership

Regulatory compliance

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

OEL/PDE knowledge

Occupational toxicology

Education

PhD in toxicology

Job description

Job Title: Director Occupational Toxicology

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead the charge in occupational toxicology within Global Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)? As the Director of Occupational Toxicology, you'll develop strategies and provide expert advice to ensure workplace health risk assessments meet scientific quality and compliance standards across the globe. Your role will be pivotal in shaping the future of occupational toxicology at AstraZeneca!

Accountabilities:

• Lead a team of global experts supporting the business with problem-solving in all aspects of occupational toxicology and hazard/risk assessments.
• Oversee the AZ Global Panel for OEL/PDE to ensure the achievement of near-term deliverables and strategy to meet long-term business demands.
• Establish health-based exposure limits and author documentation for regulatory compliance, including Permitted Daily Exposures (PDEs) to support product quality and worker health and safety activities.
• Provide toxicology support for nonclinical safety assessment groups with requests from project teams, development, and toxicology leads.
• Prepare toxicology assessments in support of health hazard classification for Safety Data Sheets according to GHS and CLP, and Dangerous Goods to support worker safety as well as general public in support of chemical notification/registration.
• Implement robust risk management processes to support health hazard assessment for employees handling proprietary and non-proprietary chemicals used in the production of medicinal products.
• Manage occupational testing programs in compliance with evolving global and company regulations and guidance.
• Provide technical and scientific support for setting limits for releases into the aquatic environment.
• Maintain toxicological expertise relevant to nonclinical safety of drugs, occupational health, and product quality risk.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD in toxicology or related biomedical science field required , in lieu of degree additional experience can be considered.
• 10+ yrs experience in senior strategic Safety, Health and Environment covering roles in both Pharmaceutical and Biologic businesses.
• Proven proficiency in technical science writing, specifically in regard to chemical monographs for risk assessment.
• **Must have experience in both occupational (e.g. worker exposure) and quality (e.g., patient safety) toxicology assessments.
• Familiar with regulations and guidelines for both worker and patient safety
• Applied, working knowledge of the general principles, practices, and procedures of multiple facets including pharmacology, toxicology, biology, and chemistry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as proven negotiation, collaboration, and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Significant experience in people management and networking in a matrix organization.
• Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective organizational relationships.
• Good appreciation of SHE processes and policies, with senior management, consultancy or advisory experience in influencing strategy.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• PhD in toxicology or related biomedical science field.
• Familiarity with the latest research and thinking in specialist areas.
• Professional Business Qualification/Certifications

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.

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to making a difference beyond patients by pioneering sustainability strategies. With a focus on delivering more medicines faster and more affordably, we thrive on innovation backed by investment and leadership. Join us as we turn molecules into medicines through cutting‑edge science, digitalization, and sustainable practices.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $ 143,617.60 - $215,426.40 USD Annual. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short‑term incentive bonuses, equity‑based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

29-Oct-2026

Closing Date

05-Nov-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.