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Associate Director, Toxicology

Boston, MA

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.

Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

 

Description of Role

The Associate Director, Toxicology will be responsible for overseeing toxicology and safety pharmacology studies conducted at CROs, ensuring high-quality study monitoring and timely execution to support the development of small molecule orexin receptor agonists. 

This individual will work closely with the Lead Project Toxicologist to manage all aspects of outsourced toxicology studies, liaise with CRO partners, and ensure regulatory compliance, scientific quality, and on time delivery of study milestones and reports. The role will contribute directly to the preparation and delivery of toxicology packages required for IND/CTA submissions and ultimately NDA filings. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor nonclinical toxicology and safety pharmacology studies conducted at external CROs—via onsite visits or remotely—to ensure scientific quality and full compliance with global regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with the Lead Project Toxicologist to share and interpret the findings during study monitoring, and recommend the next steps for improvement.
  • Collaborate with the Toxicology Operations Manager and CRO Study Directors to initiate and coordinate internal cross-functional review of draft study protocols and study reports for tox/safety pharmacology studies, engaging DMPK, CMC, and bioanalytical teams as needed.
  • Track study progress and deliverables, ensuring timely data transfer, analysis, and interpretation, and provide preliminary assessments to the Lead Project Toxicologist and broader project teams.
  • Maintain all study monitoring reports prepared by internal or external study monitors.
  • Participate in project sub team meetings to expedite cross-functional execution of study related activities and provide study status updates to project teams upon request. 
  • Negotiate reporting timelines and expectations with CROs, working directly with Study Directors to agree reporting plans to meet study protocols. 

Qualifications

  • Ph.D., M.D., in Toxicology/Pharmacology, or a related life‑science discipline, with 5–7 years of nonclinical toxicology experience within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CRO setting
    • OR MS in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related discipline with 13+ years of relevant CRO and/or pharmaceutical industry experience (including Safety Pharmacology)
    • OR BS/BA in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biology, or related discipline with 15+ years of relevant CRO and/or pharmaceutical industry experience (including Safety Pharmacology)
  • DABT certification strongly preferred, but not required
  • Prior hands-on oversight of outsourced studies as study monitor or CRO study director in nonclinical toxicological and safety pharmacological studies  
  • Demonstrates strong knowledge of GLP compliance and FDA, EMA, and ICH guidance documents and GLP regulations
  • Proven ability to evaluate, interpret, and communicate toxicology data and study outcomes to cross - functional teams and senior project leadership.
  • Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple concurrent studies, track timelines, and maintain high-quality documentation in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing or contributing to regulatory documents and study summaries, with strong listening, negotiation, and interpersonal relationship skills.
  • Comfortable negotiating timelines, deliverables, and expectations with CRO Study Directors and external partners.
  • Self-starter, highly motivated, experienced in toxicology study design and conduct
  • Able to make informed, real-time decisions during onsite CRO visits, ensuring immediate and appropriate resolution of issues that arise during study conduct.
  • Willing and able to travel at least 50% - 60% of the time (2-3 full weeks per month, domestic and international travel). 

Compensation 

The annual base salary range for this level is $170,000.00 to $225,000.00. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge. 

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and participation in our equity program, allowing you to share in Centessa’s long-term success. 

Centessa also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program. 

Work Location

The Associate Director, Toxicology role is a remote role based in the US, with significant domestic and international travel.  

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

 

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.

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