Job Description Job Description
Principal Scientist / Study Director (Toxicology)
Build Programs. Lead Science. Influence Outcomes.
Why This Role Matters
Here, toxicology isn't just about executing studies-it's about shaping how therapies reach patients safely and effectively.
This role sits at the intersection of:
- Scientific leadership
- Client partnership
- Program development
You won't just write reports-you'll own studies, guide strategy, and influence decision-making across entire development programs.
If you're someone who wants to move beyond execution into true scientific leadership, this is your opportunity.
What You'll Actually Be Doing
This is a Study Director + Program Leader hybrid role.
You will:
Own and Lead Toxicology Programs
- Serve as Study Director across GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies
- Design studies, interpret data, and guide IND-enabling strategies
- Oversee full lifecycle: protocol execution reporting client delivery
Be the Scientific Voice for Clients
- Act as a trusted advisor to sponsors (biotech, pharma, government)
- Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
- Guide clients through study design, risk, and regulatory considerations
Drive Scientific Breadth (Not Just Depth)
- Work across multiple species (rodent NHP preferred)
- Contribute to studies involving:
- General toxicology
- Safety pharmacology
- PK/toxicology (especially NHP)
- Emerging therapeutic areas (CNS, obesity, dermatology, vaccines, oncology)
Expand and Build Capabilities
- Help shape and grow the toxicology program
- Contribute to:
- New model development
- Assay validation
- Capability expansion
Partner Across the Business
- Collaborate with:
- Business Development (winning work)
- Project Management (execution)
- Scientific teams (delivery)
- Contribute to proposals and scopes of work
Step Into Leadership
- Mentor junior scientists and study team members
- Begin transitioning toward program leadership and team oversight
- Play a key role in scaling scientific operations
What Success Looks Like
You're not just "doing studies"-you're:
- Leading complex, multi-study programs
- Becoming a go-to scientific leader internally and externally
- Helping clients move therapies forward with confidence
- Growing into a manager of people and programs
Who This Role Is Built For
Technically Strong, But Ready for More
You likely have:
- 5-7+ years in toxicology (CRO experience strongly preferred)
- Experience as a Study Director (or ready to step fully into it)
- Strong foundation in GLP toxicology
Scientifically Broad
- Exposure to multiple species (NHP experience is a major plus)
- Experience across:
- General tox
- Safety pharmacology
- PK/tox
- Comfortable with complex dosing routes (e.g., intrathecal, intracranial)
Client-Facing Mindset
This is critical.
You:
- Communicate clearly and confidently with clients
- Think in terms of service, not ego
- Can guide without dominating
Future Leader (Even If You're Not One Yet)
You may not have large team management experience yet-but:
- You want to grow into it
- You're ready to take ownership of larger programs
- You think beyond your individual contribution
Preferred (But Not Required)
- DABT (or actively pursuing)
- NHP experience (especially PK/tox)
- IND-enabling study experience
- Experience across diverse therapeutic areas
Why This Role Is Different
Most "Senior Scientist" roles:
- Focus on execution
- Limit client interaction
- Keep you in a narrow lane
This role:
- Gives you ownership
- Builds your scientific voice
- Positions you for leadership
Career Trajectory
This role is intentionally designed as a launchpad into leadership:
- Program leadership
- Team management
- Expanded scientific influence
You're not being hired to stay in place-you're being hired to grow into something bigger.
About the Organization
We have been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941, supporting drug development from discovery through preclinical and beyond.
You'll be joining a team focused on:
- Advancing life-saving therapies
- Delivering high-quality science
- Building long-term client partnerships
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation aligned with experience level
- Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO, etc.)
- Support for continued professional development (including DABT)
This is an onsite/ close proximity role. Take a look at what the area has to offer: Relocation Guide