Director/Associate Director – Project Toxicologist in Oncology Safety Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences

At AstraZeneca, it is our bold ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This is underpinned by our rich pipeline aimed to deliver innovative treatment options for patients. Oncology Safety colleagues contribute to this ambition by accelerating innovative and expert non-clinical safety science.

Introduction to the role:

We are looking to recruit a Director / Associate Director, Project Toxicologist, Oncology Safety to contribute to the development of novel targeted oncology medicines, including Antibody Drug Conjugates. In collaboration with scientists across our Oncology R&D organization, this role will focus on the interface between the discovery and regulatory toxicology team, develop regulatory toxicology strategies to address drug target- and modality-related safety risks, drive progression and acceleration of drug development programs, and develop our safety science to inform the design and selection of novel drug candidates. This role will be based at one of our vibrant R&D sites in either Boston Area, MA or Gaithersburg, MD (Washington DC area).

Within AstraZeneca we place a strong emphasis on talent development. You will be able to develop your knowledge and skills by working together with experts and leaders in Oncology R&D, safety science, pharmacology, toxicology, drug discovery and development, imaging, pathology, and translational science.

Accountabilities:

• As core member of the project toxicology team, you will design regulatory and investigative toxicology studies to and devise a strategy to predict, assess and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks on project teams, with a focus on Antibody-Drug Conjugates.

• Apply your toxicology knowledge to predict clinical safety and inform decision-making in drug discovery and development programs.

• Develop and implement innovative solutions to combine regulatory toxicology with cutting edge science and technologies to progress novel drug candidates to the clinic and through development to the market, in line with business needs.

• Communicate clear positions on integrated risk assessments in various formats including informing decision-making governance bodies and contribute to regulatory submissions.

• Maintain expertise in regulatory requirements and preclinical safety approaches applied to Antibody Drug Candidates and awareness of industry trends.

• Provide specialist non-clinical safety expertise for evaluation of in-licensing opportunities.

• Develop Oncology Safety science through collaborative networks across AstraZeneca R&D, external collaborations, publications etc.

Essential skills/requirements:

• Excellent scientist with a PhD and/or DABT in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Immunology or related field, a strong scientific track record, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

• Experience working as a Project Toxicologist or similar safety focussed role within the pharmaceutical/biotech/CRO project environment.

• A proven understanding of drug discovery and development and track record of delivering toxicology programs to enable progression of candidates into the clinic.

• Expertise in Oncology, and preferably a solid understanding of drug safety aspects of ADCs.

• Experience delivering non-clinical toxicology studies in support of IND applications.

• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, able to solve problems in a goal-focused fashion with capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects.

• Able to work independently and deliver toxicology risk assessments in drug development.

• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and influencing skills across levels/subject areas with a strong desire to drive personal development.

• Experience and desire to work with teams across geographies including awareness of inclusion and diversity. Adopting a working style that is inclusive and collegiate, contributing to our Great Place to Work objectives.

• Level of the role (Director / Associate Director) will be based on experience, understanding of drug discovery and development, and track record of successful contributions to progression of drug projects and scientific accomplishment.

• Due to the diverse nature of the AstraZeneca Oncology portfolio, we have opportunities for Project Toxicologists to support a range of modalities across various phases of development

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.

Date Posted

20-Mar-2024

Closing Date

31-Mar-2024Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.