Executive Director, Toxicology

Description of Role

Centessa Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Executive Director, Toxicology to provide scientific and strategic leadership as well as operational management for nonclinical safety across discovery and development programs, with an emphasis on small‑molecule therapeutics. This role leads toxicology and safety pharmacology strategy to support target selection, lead optimization, IND/NDA enabling activities. Reporting to our Head of Nonclinical & Translational Development , the Executive Director partners closely with cross‑functional teams and represents nonclinical safety in regulatory interactions while building a strong, high‑performing toxicology organization.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of toxicologists and technical/operational staff, fostering scientific excellence and professional growth

Define and execute nonclinical safety strategies across discovery, preclinical, and clinical stages

Provide expert toxicology and safety pharmacology input to cross‑functional development teams

Lead nonclinical sub‑teams as an integrated development head, providing cross‑functional oversight across Toxicology, DMPK, Bioanalytical Sciences, and Clinical Pharmacology to ensure aligned, program‑ready nonclinical strategies.

Serve as the primary nonclinical representative on Program Development Teams (PDTs) and at internal governance and external forums, effectively championing program strategy, presenting to regulatory authorities, and holding scientific ground with senior leadership, partners, CROs, and health authorities.

Design, oversee, and interpret GLP, non‑GLP, investigative, and in vitro toxicology studies

Develop safety strategies for new targets, lead optimization programs, and platform technologies

Oversee toxicology and safety pharmacology studies conducted internally and at CROs

Ensure high scientific quality, compliance, and timely delivery of nonclinical study outputs

Author and critically review toxicology sections of regulatory documents (e.g., pre‑IND, IND, IBs)

Partner with biology, DMPK, pathology, pharmacology, clinical, and regulatory colleagues to drive integrated decision‑making

Present nonclinical safety data and risk assessments to project teams and senior R&D leadership

Serve as the primary nonclinical safety representative in regulatory agency interactions

Support product defense and regulatory submissions through robust scientific rationale

Provide strategic guidance on safety issue resolution and investigational toxicology approaches

Contribute to portfolio‑level planning and prioritization of nonclinical safety resources

Build scalable toxicology capabilities to support a growing and diverse pipeline

Qualifications

PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Pathology, DVM, or related discipline; board certification (e.g., DABT, ERT) preferred

18+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D with a strong track record in nonclinical and regulatory toxicology

Proven ability to function as an upward‑facing nonclinical leader and generalist, with the credibility and judgment to represent PDTs at governance, engage confidently with regulatory agencies, and serve as a trusted development partner to senior leadership.

Deep expertise supporting small‑molecule programs across discovery, IND‑enabling, and early clinical development

Strong working knowledge of national and international GLP guidelines

Demonstrated experience defining and executing nonclinical safety strategies to support diverse pipelines and novel biology

Proven leadership experience building, managing, and mentoring toxicology teams within a collaborative, matrixed environment

Extensive experience preparing and reviewing nonclinical sections of global regulatory submissions and engaging with health authorities (FDA, EMA)

Strong ability to integrate complex nonclinical datasets across toxicology, pathology, DMPK, and pharmacology to inform development decisions

Experience overseeing outsourced toxicology and safety pharmacology studies and managing CRO partnerships

Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively across Early Development, Research, and Regulatory functions in a fast‑paced environment

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $270,000.00 to $300,000.00. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge and location.

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. 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 Executive Director, Toxicology role is based in the US, with occasional travel.

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subdisary of Eli Lilly and Company 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. We 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.