Project Toxicologist, Director – Oncology Targeted Delivery (OTD) Safety Science, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (Cambridge, MA or Gaithersburg, MD)

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 eff