Director, Oncology Targeted Delivery Safety

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Health benefits

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a Director, Project Toxicologist to lead regulatory and investigative toxicology programs for targeted oncology therapies including radioconjugates and ADCs. You will partner with Oncology R&D to bridge discovery and regulatory toxicology and shape safety strategies.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent, 10+ years of toxicology experience, hands-on leadership, and ability to influence cross-functional teams across geographies.

Qualifications

• PhD, DABT, or an advanced university degree in toxicology, pharmacology, oncology, or a related scientific discipline, together with a strong scientific track record.
• 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: bachelor’s degree with substantial additional pharmaceutical industry experience may also be considered, including ~15+ years of relevant experience.
• Oncology expertise: deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, with ability to deliver toxicology programs supporting IND filings and milestones.
• Modality expertise: experience with radioconjugates or ADCs preferred; small-molecule oncology therapeutics also valuable.
• Translational safety skills: experience applying in vitro, in silico, and in vivo tools to predict clinical safety risks.
• Leadership and collaboration: coordinate multiple projects across functions and geographies in a matrixed environment.
• Communication and influence: strong scientific communication and influencing skills with stakeholders.
• Commitment to inclusion: demonstrated inclusion and diversity commitment consistent with AstraZeneca’s values.

Responsibilities

• Lead toxicology strategies: design and oversee regulatory and investigative toxicology programs to predict, assess, and mitigate safety risks.
• Support development decisions: provide data-driven recommendations across discovery and development programs.
• Advance safety science: integrate in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches with emerging tech to address safety questions.
• Communicate integrated risk assessments: present conclusions to governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.
• Provide regulatory and scientific leadership: maintain expertise in regulatory standards and modality-specific toxicology.
• Support external opportunities: provide strategic toxicology input for in-licensing and collaborations.
• Build scientific influence: advance Oncology Safety science through publications and conferences.
• Develop people and partnerships: foster inclusive, collaborative environment and develop colleagues across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

PhD, DABT, or advanced degree in toxicology

Job description

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a Director, Project Toxicologist to lead regulatory and investigative toxicology programs for targeted oncology therapies including radioconjugates and ADCs. You will partner with Oncology R&D to bridge discovery and regulatory toxicology and shape safety strategies.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent, 10+ years of toxicology experience, hands-on leadership, and ability to influence cross-functional teams across geographies.