Director, Project Toxicologist – Immune Oncology (IO) Safety Science
Location: Cambridge, UK (Hybrid, required 60% presence in the office)
Salary: Competitive

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 Immune Oncology (IO) Safety team plays a critical role in accelerating transformative therapies to patients.

We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and passionate Director, Project Toxicologist, to join our IO Safety group. This role focuses on novel immunotherapeutic, including immune cell engagers. Candidates with a strong Immunology and toxicology background, preferably in Oncology, are encouraged to apply.

You will partner with cross-functional teams across Oncology R&D, bridging discovery and regulatory toxicology, Immunotoxicology, 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.

What You’ll Do

• As a core member of multi-disciplinary drug development teams, you will deliver globally acceptable toxicological packages to predict, assess and mitigate target and modality related safety risks to support data-driven decisions across discovery and development programs.
• You will develop and implement innovative solutions to combine regulatory toxicology with ground breaking science and technologies to progress novel drug candidates to the clinic and through development to the market, in line with business needs.
• Influence project strategy and decision making, communicate clear positions on integrated risk assessments in various formats including informing internal decision-making governance bodies and interacting with external health authorities.
• Deliver quality non-clinical summaries and contribute to regulatory submissions for IO projects.
• Maintain and expand expertise in regulatory standards, preclinical safety, and modality-specific safety science, staying ahead of industry trends.
• Drive Oncology Safety science through internal and external collaborations, publications, and scientific leadership.
• Additional responsibilities include providing experienced non-clinical evaluation of in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities, mentorship and guidance to emerging toxicologists with respect to regulatory environment and supporting their career growth and development.

Education/Experience Requirements

• DABT or PhD in toxicology or immunology (or equivalent) with several years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry working as a non-clinical safety lead, supporting immunology and/or oncology programs with planning, execution, interpretation and communication of regulatory toxicology data.
• A proven understanding of drug discovery and development, with a track record of delivering multiple toxicology programs supporting IND/CTA filings.
• High level of knowledge and expertise in designing toxicology strategies and delivering in vitro/in vivo and risk assessment of immune/target related risks, driven by the pharmacology of IO therapeutics.
• Ability to solve problems in a goal-focused fashion with willingness to challenge conventional thinking and capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects and geographies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal- and influencing skills. Adopting an inclusive and collegiate working style, and a desire to drive own- and support others development. Represent AstraZeneca interests, maintaining high ethical and scientific standards.
• Commitment to inclusion and diversity, supporting AstraZeneca’s Great Place to Work objectives.

So, what’s next?
Complete your application before the below closing date 8th September 2026

Where can I find out more?
Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/
Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in cancer treatment, we want you on our team.
Apply today and help us transform the future of oncology!

Date Posted
24-Aug-2026
Closing Date
06-Sept-2026

Our 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.

Our Philosophy
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company committed to excellence in the research, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines. With approximately 90,000 people in 85 countries, our aim is simple: to unlock the power of what science can do, for people, society and the planet. From Clinical Development, Regulatory and Medical Affairs to Finance, IT, Digital, Manufacturing and Supply, the opportunities to make an impact are limitless. Our workforce reflects the diversity of the patients we serve – it is embedded in everything we do. We're at our best and most creative when we seek out different perspectives, experiences and strengths. At AstraZeneca, you'll have the chance to grow your abilities, skills and knowledge constantly in a place that never stands still. Discover why we're a great place to work and see what science — and you — can do.

Insights from previous hires
Top skills
Clinical Trials
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Previously worked at
The University of Texas System
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Previously worked as
1. Associate Director
2. Scientific Director
3. Senior Director
4. Director
5. Toxicologist