Project Toxicologist, Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (Cambridge, MA or Gaithersburg, MD)
About The Position
AstraZeneca is seeking a Director, Project Toxicologist to join its Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety group within Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences. The role focuses on novel targeted oncology therapies, including radioconjugates, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and small molecules. Experience with radioconjugates is particularly valued, and candidates with expertise in other relevant modalities are encouraged to apply. The position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, or Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Project Toxicologist partners with cross-functional Oncology R&D teams, connecting discovery and regulatory toxicology. The role develops safety strategies, guides candidate selection, informs regulatory approaches, and contributes to the advancement of oncology safety science. AstraZeneca works to eliminate cancer as a cause of death and describes its collaborative, ambitious environment as a place where teams use data and innovation to advance medicines. The company expects employees to work from the office an average of at least three days per week, while allowing individual flexibility. The position offers an annual base salary range of $184,538 to $276,808, with a short-term incentive bonus opportunity and eligibility for an equity-based long-term incentive program for salaried roles. Benefits include a qualified retirement program (401(k)), paid vacation and holidays, paid leaves, and medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage, subject to applicable plan terms.
Requirements
- 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 in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO sector.
- Deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, with demonstrated ability to deliver toxicology programs supporting IND filings and broader development milestones.
- Experience applying in vitro, in silico, and in vivo tools to predict and characterize potential clinical safety risks.
- Ability to coordinate multiple projects across functions and geographies and work effectively in a complex, matrixed environment.
- Strong scientific communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, including the ability to inform decisions among scientific, clinical, and regulatory stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, collaboration, and team development.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with radioconjugates or antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs); radioconjugate experience is particularly valued.
- Familiarity with small-molecule oncology therapeutics.
- A minimum bachelor's degree combined with substantial additional pharmaceutical industry experience may be considered, including approximately 15 or more years of relevant experience.
Responsibilities
- Design and oversee regulatory and investigative toxicology programs to predict, assess, and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks.
- Apply toxicology expertise to anticipate clinical safety risks and provide data-driven recommendations across discovery and development programs.
- Integrate in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches with emerging technologies, including organ-on-chip, imaging, and omics, to address complex safety questions.
- Present scientific conclusions and safety strategies to governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.
- Maintain and expand expertise in regulatory standards, preclinical safety, and modality-specific toxicology while anticipating industry trends and evolving methodologies.
- Provide strategic toxicology input for in-licensing evaluations, due diligence activities, and external collaborations.
- Advance Oncology Safety science through internal and external collaborations, publications, conference participation, and thought leadership.
- Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative environment and support the development of colleagues across teams and geographies.
Benefits
- Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
- Eligibility for an equity-based long-term incentive program for salaried roles.
- Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).
- Paid vacation and holidays.
- Paid leaves.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
