Associate Director Toxicology, Immune Safety (Discovery Safety Specialist/Immunologist)

About this role

Responsibilities

• Your core responsibilities will include:
• As a core member of multi‑disciplinary immunology project teams you will design, deliver and interpret innovative immune safety strategies to predict, assess and mitigate target‑ and modality‑related risks across discovery and development.
• Integrate data from in vitro systems, cellular immunology, in vivo models, ‘omics, advanced imaging and computational tools to build mechanistic immune safety assessments that guide target selection, modality design and candidate optimization.
• Evaluate on‑target and off‑target related risks (including, but not limited to, cytokine release, immunomodulation, immunogenicity considerations, immune cell subset perturbations) and propose risk mitigation strategies including study design refinements, monitoring plans and translational biomarkers.
• Provide integrated risk assessments to influence project strategy and decision‑making within the safety organization, across R&D functions, and at internal governance bodies
• Advance predictive immune safety science by contributing to development of cutting‑edge methods/strategies; publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at scientific meetings.
• Essential qualifications
• PhD (or equivalent experience) in immunology, toxicology, pharmacology, or related field, with expertise in immune biology
• Demonstrated experience in nonclinical safety within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry spanning drug discovery and/or development, with a track record of contributing to target evaluation and candidate optimization to progress preferentially immunology or immuno‑modulatory programs.
• Hands‑on experience designing strategies and/or executing in vitro and/or in vivo studies relevant to immune safety (e.g., functional immune assays, cytokine release, immunophenotyping, translational biomarker strategies); ability to interpret data in a mechanism‑driven framework.
• Proven ability to evaluate safety risks, build integrated risk assessments, and define mitigation strategies; strong verbal and written communication skills with experience influencing cross‑functional decision‑making.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset with the ability to coordinate across multiple projects and geographies; commitment to high ethical and scientific standards.
• Desirable experience
• Experience spanning both discovery and development phases; record of delivering toxicology programs through discovery to clinical development.
• Familiarity with regulatory toxicology requirements
• Experience with multiple modalities, such as small molecules, biologics (including bispecifics), antibody‑drug conjugates, ASOs/siRNA, and protein degraders (e.g., PROTACs), with understanding of modality‑specific immune risks and targeted delivery concepts.
• Established record of scientific contribution (publications, conference presentations); experience leading external collaborations and mentoring early‑career scientists.
• Why AstraZeneca?
• When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite bold thinking to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person collaboration gives us the platform to connect, accelerate and challenge perceptions. We work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office while balancing individual flexibility. Join the team unlocking the power of what science can do. By fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations, we are working to treat, prevent, modify and even cure complex diseases—and positively impact the lives of millions.
• So, what’s next?
• If science is your passion and you’re looking to make a greater difference for patients, there’s no better place to do it. We look forward to receiving your application (CV and cover letter) by
• May 20th, 2026
• . Please upload your CV and cover letter as a single combined document.
• Date Posted
• 06-May-2026
• Closing Date
• 20-May-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.