Head of External In Vivo Toxicology Cambridge UK – Hybrid (3 days on site per week) About AstraZeneca At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. We believe in the potential of our people, and you’ll develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion by actively supporting you to ensure realisation of your potential. You’ll join an energised team and work on projects that offer a wide range of ongoing learning and career development opportunities. Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development! We are seeking an experienced toxicologist to lead the in vivo toxicology group within CPSS’s Regulatory Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology department. This pivotal role will see you lead a large team of in vivo toxicologists overseeing regulatory toxicology studies at Contract Research Organisations (CROs), supporting the clinical development of assets within the AstraZeneca portfolio. The successful candidate will ensure all studies are designed, conducted, and reported to AstraZeneca’s rigorous standards, playing a key part in driving our scientific and regulatory excellence. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage a large, matrixed team of in vivo toxicologists responsible for the oversight of regulatory toxicology studies performed at CROs. Ensure all studies are designed, implemented, and reported according to AstraZeneca’s specifications and standards. Provide expert oversight of in vivo toxicology studies to support the clinical development of pharmaceutical assets. Navigate and lead in a complex, matrixed Big Pharma environment and the wider CRO landscape. Champion best practice in the conduct, ethical review, and reporting of in vivo toxicology studies across multiple global territories. Cultivate people development and team growth, maintaining a high-performing and collaborative group. Communicate effectively and influence both internal and external collaborators, including regulatory agencies, business partners, and CROs. Coach immediate and wider team members through problem solving Influence AZ strategy for externalisation and evolve our ways of working Requirements: At least 10 years’ experience in in-vivo toxicology for the safety assessment of pharmaceuticals, spanning both Pharma/BioPharma and CRO environments. Strong awareness and practical knowledge of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards. Expertise in studies involving the full range of laboratory species, including rodents and non-rodents (dogs, pigs, non-human primates). Hands-on experience with all types of in vivo toxicology studies, such as MTD/DRF, FTIH, chronic general toxicology, carcinogenicity, safety pharmacology, and DART. Demonstrated experience of ethical review processes for in vivo toxicology across various territories. Familiarity with a range of modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and emerging modalities. Proven track record in line management of large, multidisciplinary and matrixed teams. Skills in people development and team leadership. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage internal and external stakeholders effectively. Desirables: PhD, DABT, or further recognised qualification in toxicology. Experience as a Project Toxicologist or Toxicology Subject Matter Expert. Background in alliance management or developing business-to-business partnerships. In Office Requirement: 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. Why AstraZeneca? At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity, no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting-edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come join our journey. Competitive salary and benefits package on offer. The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package. Date Posted 14-Nov-2025 Closing Date 30-Nov-2025 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.