Typical Accountabilities:
• Either manages a team of toxicology or pathology experts working to understand the effects of various drugs or agents on test subjects, or participates in such a team as a technical expert in one or more areas of toxicology or pathology
• May oversee large and complex studies and research projects aimed at observing the reactions of various organisms to new drugs and agents, or may provide technical and scientific support to such studies as a leading toxicologist or pathologist
• Develops predictions and conclusions from own research or research carried out by team
• Ensures that all relevant findings of clinical studies and post-mortems are communicated to appropriate audiences, and may personally present the most important research findings
• Builds networks with other team leaders or technical experts across Research and Development to ensure the findings of clinical studies and other projects carried out by the safety assessment team are incorporated into other clinical work
• Ensures that all relevant findings from toxicology studies and post-mortems is entered into database and categorised appropriately
• Identifies opportunities to improve research methods, and leads, or contributes to, initiatives to implement these
• Assists in the implementation of new methodology and technology related to own area of expertise, including training of staff
• May performance manage a team of researchers and analysts
• Responsible for determining which new methodology and technology should be pursued, and making decisions about how much resources to invest in them, or contributes to this decision making process as a valued expert
• Works across regions and skill groups within and outside of own function
• Impacts on the Therapeutic Area globally by advising others including senior management on project related issues such as design, progress, priorities and resourcing as well as on future strategies
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of technical advances of potential benefit to the business, in broad area of expertise
• Communicates scientific and technological developments within assigned area to colleagues at AstraZeneca, with the purpose of increasing general level of competence and industry awareness
• Ensures own work, and the work of the whole team, is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
Typical People Management Responsibility (direct / indirect reports):
• Approximate number of people managed in total (all levels) - 0 – 10
• Manager of a team
What is the global remit? (how many countries will the role operate in?):
• 2 or 3 countries at a minimum of 40% of time
Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
• Essential: Mater’s degree in toxicology or pathology; Significant experience with clinical research in a pharmaceutical environment; Understanding of local compliance systems and regulations; Ability to provide guidance and advice on future strategy for Safety Assessment; Understanding of Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) and relevant standards; Understanding of patent and IP strategies; Proven ability to lead teams
• Desirable: PhD in toxicology, pathology or related scientific or medical field
Key Relationship to reach solutions:
• Internal (to AZ or team): Team members, colleagues and senior management; Other teams in research and Development; Internal AZ networks
• External (to AZ): External regulators; External suppliers and service providers; External scientific community
Compensation Pay Range:
178,540.80 - 267,811.20 USD Annual
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position is outlined above. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Date Posted
05-Jan-2026
Closing Date
25-Jan-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.
