Associate Director, Drug Discovery Toxicologist

About Us

Exscientia is an AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting.

Our internal pipeline is focused on leveraging our precision medicine platform in oncology, while our partnered pipeline broadens our approach to other therapeutic areas. By pioneering a new approach to medicine creation, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.

The Role

The Associate Director, Discovery Toxicologist will join the innovative Preclinical Development group and will provide project teams with scientific expertise and leadership for the safety assessment of Exscientia programs from early discovery, through to candidate selection and beyond. You will contribute to the assessment and selection of novel drug targets and optimisation of novel small molecule drug candidates using innovative molecular, cellular and in vivo technologies to maximise predictive safety science and investigative toxicology.

Please note this is a hybrid role and occasional travel is required to our offices in Oxford, UK (approximately 1-2 times per quarter), with flexibility to work from home in the UK the remaining time. We are a flexible working organisation and we’re willing to consider other options which would provide similar contact time with the team.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Represent Toxicology as the Subject Matter Expert on cross-functional project teams within the Discovery organisation. Opportunity to represent Toxicology in Development as the projects progress.
• Act as a key resource for early safety assessment during the drug discovery phase, providing scientific knowledge and expertise to cross-functional project teams.
• Use established toxicology screening strategies to predict, assess and mitigate target- and drug-related safety risks in support of the drug discovery portfolio.
• Refine and implement innovative experimental strategies and use the data to assess and /or provide mechanistic understanding of safety issues.
• Collaborate with CROs to ensure best practice for in vitro and/or in vivo safety assessment.
• Prepare verbal and written summaries for internal discussions. Work with the Discovery teams to develop optimal strategies to address specific safety issues within project teams. Present summary data to project teams, Exscientia senior leadership and external partners as needed.

Requirements

Essential skills:

• DVM, Pharm D, Ph.D in toxicology, Pathology, Physiology, Biochemistry or expertise in related biological scientific disciplines, with an emphasis on Oncology/Immunology is preferred. 10+ years’ experience in safety sciences in the Biotech/Pharma industry.
• Experience in project team membership as a Discovery toxicology representative in a matrix environment.
• Experience with in silico and in vitro safety assessment leading to an in-depth knowledge of small molecule discovery toxicology, and experience designing and critically evaluating results of exploratory toxicology studies.
• An understanding of in vitro to in vivo translation of potential toxicities and implications for human safety.
• Broad background in novel methods of identifying potential toxicities and developing risk mitigation plans.
• Highly motivated scientist, who can work independently, with excellent oral/written communication skills.

Desirable skills:

• Board Certification in Toxicology (DABT/ERT).
• Experience running in vivo safety assessment studies.
• Knowledge of secondary pharmacology assessment and mitigation of identified risks.
• Keen interest in artificial intelligence and its application to drug discovery. Experience with the use of AI-tools to predict toxicology endpoints.

Benefits

• Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with an exciting mission and strong values.
• As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.
• We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive new joiner and annual share awards.
• Enjoy our generous 28 days holiday allowance plus public holidays, with flexibility to carry over or purchase extra holidays.
• We also offer flexible working to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.
• Create amazing memories or progress your personal and professional development with our four-week paid sabbatical after four years of service.
• We’re leading the way in progressive leave offering enhanced policies so you feel supported no matter the life event. This includes generous parental, fertility, menopause and family emergency leave, and much more. 
• Additionally, we support childcare costs for children aged 0-5 through our affordable childcare scheme.
• Take advantage of two generous salary exchange schemes to claim discounts on a brand new electric vehicle and cycling equipment worth up to £3,500.
• As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
• We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including therapy and counselling sessions plus an employee assistance program for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.
• To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer pension and life cover.
• Have fun with colleagues at our in-person and remote social events! Get competitive at a quiz or bake off, or relax at a movie night or picnic - there’s something for everyone.
• Collaborate with your team at our uplifting offices and choose a design-led breakout space to inspire creativity. Help yourself to free drinks, snacks and freshly ground coffee in our fully stocked kitchens. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!
• Feel inspired in our high spec labs where you will use state-of-the-art equipment and instruments that empower you to do your best work.
• We’ll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.
• Learn more aboutwhy our team enjoy working at Exscientia here

DEIB

At Exscientia, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where every employee belongs.

We celebrate and value the diversity of our team, recognising that our differences drive our creativity and innovation forward. This applies to differences in ethnicity, nationality, cultural heritage, age, religion, mental and physical ability, neurodiversity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital and civil partnership status, family status, and socioeconomic background.

We are committed to providing fair treatment, opportunity and advancement for all employees, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to bring their best selves to work.

If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please email