Associate Director, Project Toxicologist – Immune Safety

Job description

Location: Gothenburg, Sweden Function: Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences – Immunology Safety At AstraZeneca, our bold ambition is to achieve disease modification, clinical remission, and cure for people living with immune mediated diseases. We are expanding our diverse Immunology pipeline and building leadership across multiple indications. To fuel this ambition, we are seeking a motivated, scientifically curious and collaborative Project Toxicologist in Immune Safety to join our team in Gothenburg . This is a unique opportunity to shape immune safety strategies across the full value chain — from early target selection and candidate optimization, through IND-enabling studies, and on into clinical development and regulatory submission. Join our Immunology Safety team and help deliver transformative, safe medicines to patients worldwide. What you will do As a core member of multi-disciplinary immunology drug project teams, you will design, deliver, and interpret innovative safety strategies to predict, assess and mitigate target- and modality-related risks. Your key accountabilities will include: Shape safety strategy across the value chain: Provide immune safety leadership from target evaluation and modality selection, through candidate optimization and selection, IND-enabling in vivo toxicology packages, and clinical development milestones. Design and interpret integrated safety packages: Combine data from in vitro immune assays, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), cellular immunology, in vivo models, omics, advanced imaging, translational biomarkers and computational tools to build mechanistic risk assessments that guide project decisions. Apply a scientifically robust, fit-for-purpose and 3R-aligned approach, integrating NAMs and other non-animal methods in line with modern regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on animal testing. Evaluate and mitigate target and immune-related risks: Assess on- and off-target liabilities including cytokine release, immunomodulation, immunogenicity considerations, and immune cell subset perturbations, and propose mitigation strategies via study design refinement, monitoring plans and translational biomarkers. Deliver regulatory toxicology programs: Design, execute, interpret and report GLP toxicology studies; author high-quality nonclinical summaries and contribute to IND, CTA, BLA/NDA and other regulatory submissions, and represent AstraZeneca nonclinical safety in interactions with health authorities. Influence decision-making: Communicate clear, integrated risk positions to project teams, cross-functional R&D partners, and internal governance bodies. Advance the science: Contribute to the development of cutting-edge predictive immune safety methods; publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international scientific meetings, get involved in your local toxicology community. Evaluate external opportunities: Provide expert nonclinical assessment of in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities. Develop others: Mentor and guide early-career toxicologists, supporting their scientific and career growth. Essential qualifications PhD in immunology, toxicology, pharmacology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience), with familiarity with immune biology/toxicology, including B- and T-cell biology . Demonstrated industry experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech sector as a nonclinical safety scientist supporting immunology and/or immuno-oncology programs, spanning both discovery and development activities. Proven track record of contributing to target evaluation, candidate optimization, and delivering toxicology programs to IND and through clinical development. Hands-on expertise designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo studies (including functional immune assays, cytokine release, immunophenotyping, translational biomarker strategies), with the ability to interpret data in a mechanism-driven framework. Strong knowledge of regulatory toxicology requirements and current industry trends in preclinical safety. Ability to build integrated risk assessments and define mitigation strategies that influence project strategy. Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to challenge conventional thinking in a goal-focused, collegiate way. Collaborative , inclusive team-oriented mindset with the ability to coordinate across multiple projects, functions and geographies, upholding high ethical and scientific standards. Desirable experience Experience across multiple modalities — small molecules, biologics and complex biologics (such as bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies, engagers, or antibody-conjugates) — with understanding of modality-specific immune risks and targeted delivery concepts. Established record of scientific contribution through publications, conference presentations, and external collaborations. DABT certification (or equivalent) considered an advantage. Experience mentoring early-career scientists and leading external partnerships. Why AstraZeneca? When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite bold thinking that inspires life-changing medicines. Our Gothenburg site is one of AstraZeneca's three strategic global R&D centres — a vibrant hub where world-class scientists in immunology, safety sciences, pharmacology, pathology, imaging, computational biology and translational science come together to challenge the limits of what science can do. You will have the opportunity to lead science, represent AstraZeneca externally, and grow your career alongside recognized experts and leaders across our Immunology R&D organization. We work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office , balancing in-person collaboration with individual flexibility. Ready to apply? If your passion is science and you want to make a bigger impact on patients' lives, there is no better place to be. Apply now to join our Immune Safety team in Gothenburg and help deliver the next generation of transformative immunology medicines. We welcome your application, including CV and cover letter, no later than September 30th, 2026 . Please combine your cover letter and CV into a single document before uploading. Date Posted 16-Sept-2026 Closing Date 30-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.