Head of Preclinical Safety and Toxicology, Integrated DMPK & Safety, Research & Development

Head of Preclinical Safety and Toxicology, Integrated DMPK & Safety, Research & Development

Cambridge, United Kingdom and 2 more (Hybrid)

Job Description

Orion Corporation (Orion Pharma) is a well established, financially stable pharmaceutical company operating in more than 35 countries, including our recently established R&D hubs in Cambridge, USA and Cambridge, UK. We are now seeking an experienced scientific leader to head our new Preclinical Safety and Toxicology team within the Integrated DMPK & Safety organisation.

In this senior leadership role, you will provide strategic direction for Orion Pharma's Preclinical Safety & Toxicology function, inspiring and guiding a high performing team of toxicologists and a pathologist. You will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence while driving robust nonclinical safety strategies that support all stages of drug development. Your deep expertise across key safety disciplines-such as general toxicology, safety pharmacology, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicology, and carcinogenicity-will ensure high quality decision-making that aligns with Orion's scientific and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high performing team of toxicologists and a pathologist, cultivating an environment that encourages scientific curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Provide integrated strategic direction for all nonclinical safety activities supporting discovery, preclinical development, and clinical progression.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of nonclinical safety disciplines and their integration across the business to support Orion's competitive differentiation.
• Partner closely with cross functional and Therapy Area teams to guide and coach colleagues in the development of scientifically sound nonclinical safety strategies.
• Oversee the design, execution, and critical interpretation of in vitro and in vivo nonclinical safety studies across multiple species.
• Apply advanced scientific and regulatory writing skills to review and author nonclinical components of regulatory submissions (INDs, CTAs, BLAs, MAAs) and health authority interaction documents. Ensure alignment of toxicology input with clinical and regulatory strategies.
• Prepare and present nonclinical safety data to project teams, governance groups, external partners, and scientific stakeholders.
• Influence multiple complex development programs through strong cross functional leadership, sound scientific judgment, and effective communication with discovery, development, and regulatory partners.
• Collaborate closely with research, clinical development, DMPK, bioanalytics, clinical safety, and regulatory colleagues to ensure holistic, high-quality safety assessments. Serve as a key voice in regulatory agency interactions and internal governance discussions.
• Maintain an active scientific presence internally and externally by supporting publications, presenting at scientific conferences, and engaging with experts and the broader scientific community.
• In addition to leading the line function, contribute as an independent scientific expert for selected discovery, development, or in licensing programs as the designated Toxicology representative.

This role reports to the Director of Integrated DMPK & Safety, R&D. The position can be based in Cambridge, UK; Cambridge, MA, USA; or Turku, Finland. Relocation support is available.

What We Offer

At Orion Pharma, we provide a dynamic and innovative research environment where your expertise will directly shape the future of our Preclinical Safety & Toxicology function. Our culture is built on mutual respect, scientific excellence, and continuous learning-supporting a sense of purpose, belonging, and shared achievement. With collaboration spanning global teams, you will have the space to influence meaningful scientific and organisational impact.

We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal wellbeing.

Flexible hybrid work is available in line with Orion's guidelines.

• DVM or PhD in toxicology, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, or another relevant scientific field.
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in biotech/pharmaceutical settings within preclinical safety evaluation, ideally in oncology and pain, across multiple modalities (e.g., SMEs, bsAbs, ADCs, CARTs).
• Demonstrated experience serving as, or managing teams serving as, the Toxicology representative on discovery and development programs.
• Proven track record in designing and executing nonclinical toxicology strategies and studies to support clinical development and regulatory submissions.
• Experience in developing and mentoring scientific talent and guiding teams in nonclinical safety strategy.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, ICH, and GLP requirements related to toxicology and safety pharmacology.
• Hands-on experience writing and reviewing nonclinical components of regulatory submissions and interacting with global health authorities.
• A passion for people leadership, team development, and organisational growth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear and concise scientific presentations.

Additional Information

If this opportunity is for you, please submit your cover letter and CV by February 1st, 2026.

An approved medical examination, including drug testing, is required prior to employment.

Orion Pharma's pharmaceutical innovations are created within our R&D organisation. We employ around 400 top professionals across Finland (Espoo and Turku), the UK (Cambridge and Nottingham), and the USA (Cambridge, MA). Orion R&D and our Innovative Medicines division are committed to transforming the company into a global leader in oncology and pain.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company - a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We're home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we're proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.