Project Toxicologist, Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences

AstraZeneca • Waltham, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At AstraZeneca, our bold ambition is nothing less than to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Our pioneering pipeline of oncology medicines reflects this mission, and our Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety team plays a critical role in accelerating transformative therapies to patients.
We are seeking a highly motivated and passionate Director, Project Toxicologist to join our OTD Safety group. This role focuses on novel targeted oncology therapies, including Radio Conjugates, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), and Small Molecules. While experience with Radio Conjugates is particularly valued, candidates with other modality expertise are encouraged to apply.
You will partner with cross-functional teams across Oncology R&D, bridging discovery and regulatory toxicology, driving innovative safety strategies, and accelerating drug development. Your expertise will inform candidate selection, guide regulatory strategy, and help define the future of oncology safety science.
If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in cancer treatment, we want you on our team.

Requirements

• PhD and/or DABT in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Oncology, or related fields with a strong scientific track record.
• 10+ years’ experience in Project Toxicology, Investigative Toxicology, or related safety-focused roles in pharma, biotech, or CRO environments.
• Deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, with proven ability to deliver toxicology programs supporting IND filings.
• Expertise in Radio Conjugates or ADCs preferred, with familiarity in small molecule oncology therapeutics.
• Skilled in using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo tools to predict clinical safety risks.
• Collaborative, problem-solving mindset with the ability to coordinate across multiple projects and geographies.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills to inform decisions across scientific and regulatory teams.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and team development, supporting AstraZeneca’s Great Place to Work objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory and investigative toxicology study design, developing strategies to predict, assess, and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks.
• Apply your toxicology expertise to predict clinical safety risks and support data-driven decisions across discovery and development programs.
• Innovate at the intersection of regulatory toxicology and cutting-edge science, leveraging in vitro, in silico, in vivo, and emerging technologies like organ-on-chip, imaging, and omics.
• Communicate integrated risk assessments to governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.
• Maintain and expand expertise in regulatory standards, preclinical safety, and modality-specific safety science, staying ahead of industry trends.
• Provide strategic toxicology input for in-licensing evaluations and external collaborations.
• Drive Oncology Safety science through internal and external collaborations, publications, and thought leadership.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree