Project Toxicologist, Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety Science, Clinical Phar[...]

AstraZeneca; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square) or Gaithersburg, MD, seeks a Director, Project Toxicologist to lead cross-functional safety programs for oncology modalities including radioconjugates and ADCs. You will shape safety strategies, guide candidate selection, and influence regulatory approaches across discovery to development.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in toxicology with oncology and regulatory experience, plus strong leadership and collaboration skills to work across global teams

Qualifications

• PhD, DABT, or advanced degree in toxicology, pharmacology, oncology, or related field.
• Typically 10+ years in project toxicology, investigative toxicology, or regulatory toxicology.
• Experience with radioconjugates or ADCs preferred; small-molecule oncology experience valuable.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and ability to influence across global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead toxicology strategies and oversee regulatory and investigative programs.
• Inform development decisions with data-driven safety assessments.
• Integrate in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches for safety questions.
• Present integrated risk assessments to governance bodies and for regulatory submissions.
• Provide strategic toxicology input for in-licensing, due diligence, and collaborations.

Skills

Toxicology leadership

Regulatory toxicology

Oncology safety expertise

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in toxicology

Job description

At AstraZeneca, our ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our pioneering oncology pipeline reflects this mission, and our Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety team plays a critical role in advancing transformative therapies to patients.

We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated Director, Project Toxicologist to join our OTD Safety group. This role will focus on novel targeted oncology therapies, including radioconjugates, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and small molecules. Experience with radioconjugates is particularly valued; however, candidates with expertise in other relevant modalities are encouraged to apply.

As a Project Toxicologist, you will partner with cross-functional teams across Oncology R&D, bridging discovery and regulatory toxicology. You will develop innovative safety strategies, guide candidate selection, inform regulatory approaches, and help shape the future of oncology safety science.

LOCATIONS: Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square) or Gaithersburg, MD

What You’ll Do

• Lead toxicology strategies: Design and oversee regulatory and investigative toxicology programs to predict, assess, and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks.
• Support development decisions: Apply your toxicology expertise to anticipate clinical safety risks and provide data-driven recommendations across discovery and development programs.
• Advance safety science: Integrate in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches with emerging technologies, including organ-on-chip, imaging, and omics, to address complex safety questions.
• Communicate integrated risk assessments: Present scientific conclusions and safety strategies to governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.
• Provide regulatory and scientific leadership: Maintain and expand expertise in regulatory standards, preclinical safety, and modality-specific toxicology while anticipating industry trends and evolving methodologies.
• Support external opportunities: Provide strategic toxicology input for in-licensing evaluations, due diligence activities, and external collaborations.
• Build scientific influence: Advance Oncology Safety science through internal and external collaborations, publications, conference participation, and thought leadership.
• Develop people and partnerships: Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative environment and support the development of colleagues across teams and geographies.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Education: PhD, DABT, or an advanced university degree in toxicology, pharmacology, oncology, or a related scientific discipline, together with a strong scientific track record.
• Professional experience: 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: Candidates with a minimum bachelor’s degree and substantial additional pharmaceutical industry experience may also be considered, including candidates with approximately 15 or more years of relevant experience.
• Oncology expertise: Deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, with a demonstrated ability to deliver toxicology programs supporting IND filings and broader development milestones.
• Modality expertise: Experience with radioconjugates or ADCs is preferred. Familiarity with small-molecule oncology therapeutics is also valuable.
• Translational safety skills: Experience applying in vitro, in silico, and in vivo tools to predict and characterize potential clinical safety risks.
• Leadership and collaboration: Ability to coordinate multiple projects across functions and geographies while working effectively in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Communication and influence: Strong scientific communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to inform decisions among scientific, clinical, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Commitment to inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, collaboration, and team development, consistent with AstraZeneca’s Great Place to Work objectives.

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.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $184,538 and $276,808 USD Annual. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short‑term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity‑based long‑term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at‑will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

AstraZeneca is where science meets innovation to create impactful solutions! We challenge the status quo by leveraging data to drive scientific breakthroughs that make a tangible difference in patients' lives. Our collaborative environment fosters learning and growth, empowering you to contribute to meaningful research across global Therapy Areas. With countless opportunities for development, AstraZeneca is committed to investing in technology and expanding knowledge to maximize impact.

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.