Principal Scientist- Toxicology

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