Associate Director, Toxicology (Nonclinical Safety Evaluation)
City Therapeutics · Cambridge · $174,000–$196,000 (stated in the posting)
City Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company harnessing next-generation engineering to improve and expand the reach of RNAi-based medicines. The company is building a pipeline of innovative RNAi therapeutics to make a significant impact for patients across multiple therapeutic areas. Co-founded by pioneering executives and scientists in RNAi, City Therapeutics is based in Cambridge, MA, and has raised $140 million from leading life sciences investors.
The Role
We’re seeking an Associate Director, Nonclinical Safety Evaluation (NSE) who will play a pivotal role in overseeing and critically evaluating nonclinical safety studies across City’s RNAi therapeutic programs. This is a highly visible, hands-on role for someone who brings strong scientific judgment, deep toxicology expertise, and a sharp eye for study design, data quality, and interpretation.
You will be responsible for providing scientific oversight of outsourced nonclinical safety studies, reviewing and interpreting results, and ensuring that findings are placed in the appropriate biological and development context. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will help generate high-quality nonclinical safety packages that support sound decision-making and regulatory advancement.
How You’ll Contribute
- Oversee non-GLP and GLP nonclinical safety studies across discovery and development-stage programs, with a focus on quality, execution, interpretation, and fit-for-purpose study design.
- Serve as the primary scientific reviewer for outsourced nonclinical safety studies, critically evaluating protocols, amendments, reports, and raw or interpreted data to ensure rigor, clarity, and appropriate conclusions.
- • Provide expert interpretation of toxicology studies, including general toxicology, safety pharmacology, genetic toxicology, and, where applicable, reproductive toxicology and carcinogenicity findings, highlighting key results, risks, trends, and development implications.
- Identify data gaps, inconsistencies, or study conduct issues, and work with internal and external teams to resolve them efficiently and scientifically.
- Participate actively in cross-functional team meetings to communicate study progress, interpret findings, and provide nonclinical safety input to broader program discussions.
- Partner closely with Chemistry, Biology, Translational Sciences, CMC, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Development, other relevant functions and program teams to contextualize nonclinical safety findings and support next-step recommendations.
- Contribute to the planning and monitoring of nonclinical safety studies required to support candidate progression and regulatory submissions.
- Support authoring and review of nonclinical summaries, study interpretation sections, and regulatory documents, including materials supporting IND-enabling packages.
- Represent Nonclinical Safety Evaluation in cross-functional discussions, clearly communicating study outcomes, risks, and recommendations.
- Help maintain high standards for external study oversight, documentation, data review, and reporting practices across the function.
- Stay current on evolving toxicology methods, nonclinical safety expectations, and regulatory guidance relevant to RNAi and oligonucleotide therapeutics.
The Ideal Candidate
- PhD or DVM, or equivalent advanced degree in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Veterinary Sciences, or a related field, with 5+ years, Masters with 7+ or a Bachelors with 10+ of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical drug development, or direct experience as a Study Director at a GLP-qualified CRO.
- Strong experience overseeing outsourced nonclinical safety studies and critically reviewing protocols, data, and final reports.
- Deep expertise in the interpretation of toxicology data, including general toxicology, genetic toxicology, reproductive toxicology, carcinogenicity, and related nonclinical safety assessments, with sound scientific judgment and attention to detail.
- Strong understanding of GLP and non-GLP study conduct, study design, and reporting standards.
- Experience contributing to regulatory packages and supporting nonclinical components of development milestones.
- Ability to assess study quality, identify issues early, and communicate risks and recommendations clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Experience working with CROs and external collaborators to ensure timely, high-quality study execution and reporting.
- Previous siRNA therapeutic development experience is a plus.
- Prior small molecule development experience is strongly preferred.
- DABT certification is a plus.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills; highly detail-oriented, self-directed, and able to work independently in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Compensation
The base salary range provided reflects our current estimate of what we anticipate paying for this position. Your actual base salary will be based on several factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, relevant education or training, and market dynamics. In addition, you will be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and a competitive benefits package. Pay range is $174,000 to $196,000
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At City, you’ll be part of a team that’s as ambitious as it is collaborative. We’re building an organization that is united by our values:
- Courage: We seek out the unknown, challenge boldly, and fight for patients.
- Innovation: Curiosity drives us to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Tempo: We move fast and with purpose. Patients can’t wait, and neither will we.
- Yes: We collaborate intensely, with candor and optimism, taking ownership and celebrating the journey together.
If you’re driven by discovery, pace, and purpose—welcome to City.
Our Working Model: In Person, By Design
At City, we believe that science and culture thrive together, and that happens best in person. Our working model is clear: we work onsite at our Kendall Square offices five days per week.
This choice reflects our belief that great science and cultures run on connection, fairness, and growth.
- Connection: Face time matters. Building an enduring biotech company is about people, science, and strategy. Working side by side sharpens ideas, accelerates feedback, and fuels innovation for patients.
- Fairness: One model for all. Every voice counts, and fairness depends on shared experience. We hold ourselves to one standard across all levels and functions.
- Growth: Learning moves faster in person. Growth comes from conversation, observation, and mentorship. We believe in developing talent, and that happens best when we’re together.
We also know that life isn’t always predictable. When individual needs arise, we’re flexible and supportive and work together to balance home life with life at City.
We believe diverse teams drive better science. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences who share our mission to bring transformative RNAi medicines to patients.
City Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
City Therapeutics is accepting applications from direct candidates only. Agency inquiries or submissions will not be accepted at this time.
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