Director, Toxicology

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) is a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases - often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. We actively explore new options for patients including novel compounds, small molecules and biologics, and through cannabinoid science and innovative delivery technologies. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries.

The Director, Toxicology is accountable for managing the global nonclinical regulatory and investigative toxicology of assigned Jazz portfolio products, and likewise to support his reports overseeing those products. He/she collaborates with his/her direct reports and other members of the toxicology group, Early Development non-clinical scientists, and members of Jazz cross-functional matrix teams to support the overall global nonclinical regulatory strategy of Jazz programs, from research to registration and beyond. The Director, Toxicology reports to the Head of Toxicology.

Essential Functions

The eligible candidate is experienced in leading, supporting and managing direct reports. He/she has the necessary qualifications and experience for designing and conducting/monitoring toxicology studies at external CROs, interpreting and reporting toxicology findings, and enabling timely high-quality study deliverables. He/she has the necessary experience for representing Toxicology in cross-functional teams supporting drug development programs and conveying Toxicology consensus position, identifying and pre-emptying potential toxicology issues that may slow or derail a program, and propose adequate de-risking strategies to address or circumvent such issues. Experience is also required in evaluating and preparing responses to inquiries from health authorities addressing global nonclinical development issues in support of IND/CTA and NDA/NDS/BLA packages. The individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to contribute to or lead early development cross-functional teams. 

• The individual is a motivated self-starter with excellent management capabilities and is a critical part of an innovative team that supports the company’s drug discovery/development effort.
• Conceptualize, develop, revise, and finalize toxicology (GLP and non-GLP) study designs and reports; draft nonclinical sections for IND/CTA and NDA/BLA submissions and other regulatory documents (e.g., IB, DSUR, PSUR, etc.) to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage and monitor nonclinical studies (GLP and non-GLP) at external CROs per Jazz standards and ensure that global regulatory/compliance requirements are met/exceeded
• Critically review and edit CRO nonclinical toxicology study reports, analyze and interpret data, define PK/PD and PK/Toxicity correlations, partner in PK modeling and parameter estimation, and coordinate report finalization with CROs upon internal review and team communication, ensuring consistency with global regulatory and compliance requirements
• Provide critical input on discovery and nonclinical development strategy including peer review of pharmacology/pharmacokinetic protocols, reports, and regulatory content.
• Leadership and participation on cross functional teams as early development expert to ensure proper integration of these activities into overall project plans
• Partner with and provide subject matter expertise to key internal functions (regulatory, Quality, Clinical, CMC and formulations, Product Quality, Drug safety, Medical affairs) and their external contractors or collaborators.
• Contribute to departmental processes such as SOP’s and templates
• Maintain a current understanding of relevant literature and methodology, as well as the scientific literature related to the specific Jazz pipeline products and R&D projects. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience with small and large molecules with a preference for oncology and CNS indications.
• Experience in outsourcing and monitoring toxicology studies, CRO management, and interacting with study directors and other vendors (e.g., consultants) to obtain timely delivery of clear, accurate, and well-written toxicology study reports with defensible data analyses and data interpretation. Capacity to synthesize and communicate complex information. Capacity to propose practical mitigation (de-risking) strategies.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, EMA, and ICH guidance documents and GLP regulations.
• Required experience in authoring non-clinical elements of major regulatory submissions (INDs, CTAs, BLA/NDAs or sNDAs) and other regulatory documents (e.g., IB, PSUR, DSUR); preparing science-based responses to regulatory questions.
• Deep understanding of QA, regulatory, and clinical functions to guide key nonclinical safety assessment activities to support drug candidates’ success at all stages of development.
• Ability to synthesize, interpret and integrate diverse, multidisciplinary scientific data (e.g., pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pathology).
• Experience in Discovery Toxicology as applicable to early stages (non IND-enabling) drug development would be a plus.
• Excellent verbal communication and scientific writing skills as applied to study reports and regulatory documents. Ability to interact effectively and tactfully with a variety of critical audiences within and outside the organization. Sense of urgency.
• Enjoys and thrives in a fast-paced, multi-tasked, and hands-on environment.

Required/Preferred Education and Licenses

• As a minimum, MSc or Ph.D. in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Biochemistry or Biology with extensive pharmaceutical industry experience in drug development toxicology. Board certification (e.g., DABT, ERT) is highly desirable, or demonstrable board eligibility with the intention to write the board exam.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is an Equal Opportunity Employer.