Senior Scientist – Genetic Toxicology

Job Title Senior Scientist – Genetic Toxicology

Location: Cambridge

Salary: competitive

Introduction to role

Based in our Discovery Centre on the Cambridge Addenbrookes campus, this Senior Scientist role sits at the heart of Genetic Toxicology, working alongside colleagues in Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences to advance the genotoxicity assessment of new medicines. The position focuses on high-throughput imaging and screening methodologies to generate robust, decision-enabling data that informs safety assessment across drug discovery and development. Operating in a highly collaborative environment, this role combines hands-on scientific delivery, strategic assay optimisation, and data-driven insight to help shape the next generation of therapeutics. Ready to ask bold questions and follow the science?

Accountabilities:

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of high-content imaging and other genotoxicity assays to support projects from early discovery through development.

• Drive optimisation and innovation in imaging-based and complementary genetic toxicology methodologies, enhancing throughput, robustness, and biological relevance.

• Apply advanced data analysis and visualisation approaches to integrate complex datasets and communicate clear conclusions to multidisciplinary teams.

• Interpret and apply ICH S2(R1), OECD, and pharmaceutical regulatory expectations to ensure studies are designed and delivered to support regulatory submissions.

• Oversee non-GLP genotoxicity studies with CROs and external partners, ensuring scientific quality, compliance with internal standards, and timely delivery of milestones.

• Prepare high-quality study reports and technical documentation, maintaining rigorous data integrity and documentation practices.

• Provide scientific leadership within the Genetic Toxicology Group, contributing to strategy, mentoring colleagues, and supporting training and SOP development.

• Engage with internal teams, consortia, CROs, and academic collaborators to bring emerging science into practice and strengthen our genetic toxicology capabilities.

• Troubleshoot assay and study challenges using sound scientific judgement, keeping programmes on track under tight timelines. Influence project decision-making by translating genetic toxicology findings into clear risk assessments and recommendations.

Essential Skills/Experience

• PhD in Toxicology or a related life science discipline, or equivalent industry experience, with hands-on expertise in genetic toxicology across drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Proven experience working to ICH S2(R1) and OECD guidelines for in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies, and assays including the micronucleus assays, with the ability to contribute to regulatory-ready submission packages.

• Experience monitoring non-GLP genotoxicity studies, including protocol design, CRO/vendor oversight, milestone tracking, data review, deviation management, and inspection/audit readiness, while ensuring alignment with internal standards, external regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Strong expertise in High Content Imaging assay development, data quality control, and analysis, with experience applying automation and digital workflows to improve throughput, robustness, and reproducibility.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate data from multiple assays and translate findings into clear scientific conclusions and actionable genetic toxicology risk assessments for project teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience authoring study reports, contributing to technical documentation, and maintaining high data quality and documentation standards.

• Demonstrated ability to challenge conventional approaches and apply fit-for-purpose scientific methods, while operating within internal governance, external compliance frameworks, and global regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Proven ability to deliver high-quality work to tight timelines, with strong skills in prioritisation, adaptability, and working across multiple projects.

• Maintains current knowledge of advances in genetic toxicology and applies emerging science appropriately through collaboration with internal teams, CROs, consortia, and academic partners.

• Strong problem-solving skills and resilience, using scientific judgement, logical analysis, and pragmatic solutions to address assay or study challenges and keep programmes on track.

• Demonstrated teamworking and leadership capabilities, acting as a collaborative and inclusive colleague who supports mentoring, SOP development, training, and a high-performing team culture.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience working within a laboratory environment, preferably with a primary focus on toxicology science and with knowledge and experience of drug development.

• Experience in providing design and interpretation of regulatory toxicology data.

• Experience in Genetic Toxicology and its application in relation to Safety Assessment

At AstraZeneca, science sits at the core of every decision: teams are empowered to explore complex disease biology in depth, fuse data science and technology with experimental innovation, and work across disciplines to move ideas from concept to clinic at pace. Colleagues collaborate closely with academia, biotechs and global partners, learning from both success and failure while tackling uncertainty with resilience and curiosity; this environment supports continuous development, open dialogue and bold thinking as we strive to transform treatment options for patients worldwide.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

We welcome your application no later than 10th  May 2026

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

30-Apr-2026

Closing Date

10-May-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.