Distinguished Scientist – Nonclinical Safety Leader

Johnson & Johnson

. Collaborate with scientists across a large portfolio spanning multiple therapeutic areas and innovative modalities .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $164,000 - $282,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in toxicology and pharmacology with a strong background in drug discovery and development processes. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, conduct risk assessments, and communicate effectively with stakeholders and regulatory authorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Toxicology LeadershipDrug Discovery and Development ProcessNonclinical Safety AssessmentsGood Laboratory Practice (GLP)Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ToxicologyPharmacologyRisk AssessmentSafety PharmacologyRegulatory DocumentationSignal DetectionDue DiligenceProject ManagementMolecule DevelopmentPharmacokinetics

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsLeadershipMentorshipCollaborationProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT)

Industry Keywords

PharmaceuticalBiotechNonclinical SafetyTherapeutic ModalitiesGlobal RegistrationHealth Authority ResponsesChemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC)Competitive IntelligenceStakeholder CommunicationStudy Director

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with scientists across a large portfolio spanning multiple therapeutic areas and innovative modalities
Provide toxicology leadership for discovery and development projects
Collaborate with discovery scientists to identify and nominate candidate molecules
Collaborate with development teams to advance molecules into humans and through global registration
Lead PSTS project teams of nonclinical safety and Pharmacokinetic (PK) scientists
Ensure efficient information transfer within project teams and interface with senior management
Serve as the NCS representative for global project teams
Provide strategic leadership, toxicology expertise, and matrix leadership for portfolio decisions
Create target risk assessments and plans to screen for and mitigate potential risks
Analyze toxicology and safety pharmacology studies and prepare nonclinical safety assessments
Contribute to issue-resolution teams through hypotheses and investigative strategies
Own global regulatory nonclinical documents and health authority responses
Participate in medical safety teams, signal detection analyses, and risk mitigation strategies
Conduct nonclinical safety risk assessments for licensing and acquisition due diligence
Collaborate with Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) functions on drug substance quality
Participate in external academic or industry societies and consortia
Maintain scientific knowledge of competitive intelligence and regulatory landscapes
Communicate with stakeholders and regulatory authorities
Provide leadership and mentorship within PSTS
Lead strategic initiatives as required
Potentially assume future-facing people leadership responsibilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

A minimum of a Master’s degree in Toxicology, Pharmacology or a related discipline is required
A minimum of 15 years of relevant pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience with a Master’s degree, or a minimum of 10 years with a doctoral level degree, is required
Proven experience representing toxicology/nonclinical safety on multi-disciplinary project teams
Strong understanding of the drug discovery and development process
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to collaborate with all levels in a cross-functional team environment
Doctoral level degree (PhD, DVM, MD or equivalent) in Toxicology, Pharmacology or related discipline preferred
Experience in conducting due diligence activities preferred
Previous experience as a Study Director/Study Monitor under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations preferred
Familiarity with diverse and emerging/specialized therapeutic modalities preferred
Board certification, e.g. Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT), preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; Colorado residents – 48 hours; Washington residents – 56 hours
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
Inclusive interview process and workplace accommodations for applicants with disabilities