Senior Toxicologist

Nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through ethical and effective scientific research seeks a scientist with a master’s or doctoral degree in toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related field and at least five years of experience in a nongovernmental organization, government, or industry position related to regulatory testing and/or compliance to promote alternatives to the use of animals in toxicological testing and research. This supervisory position may be performed remotely from any location in the United States.

About the Physicians Committee

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. Our vision is to create a healthier world through a new emphasis on plant-based nutrition and scientific research conducted ethically, without using animals. We invite you to visit our YouTube channel, our website, and Physicians Committee President Dr. Neal Barnard’s blog.

About Research and Regulatory Affairs Team

The Physicians Committee’s Research and Regulatory Affairs team is composed of experts in human-relevant research, education, and testing methods. We collaborate with regulatory, industrial, and academic scientists to develop, assess, and promote alternatives to the use of animals in science. We engage decision-makers in government and industry to make change.

About This Career Opportunity

The Senior Toxicologist will set strategy and oversee policy, scientific, and outreach activities related to the reduction and replacement of animal tests required or conducted by regulatory agencies and companies. They will also supervise a team of three scientists working on our regulatory programs.

Essential functions and specific duties will include:

• Position the Physicians Committee as a trusted resource with expertise in nonanimal safety and efficacy testing, conducting, or overseeing the following:
  • Travel to and organize scientific conferences and meetings.
  • Organize training opportunities for regulators and industry.
  • Present and publish literature-quality advisory comments, documents, and papers.

• Affect government agency regulations and practices to facilitate the increased use of nonanimal test methods:
  • Oversee the research and publication of findings to shed light on agency requirements/practices.
  • Coordinate meetings, legislative work, legal petitions, and other activities to change regulations, policies, and practices.
  • Interpret scientific literature and policy documents on toxicological research and testing and communicate its significance to a variety of audience levels.
  • Work with the Physicians Committee’s Communications team to promote work through social, traditional, and trade media; author or review blogs and opinion pieces.

o   Provide strategic direction and supervision to team members conducting congressional outreach and ensure they follow organizational lobbying policies and procedures; assist with lobbying and coalition building as needed.

• Build collaborative relationships with other organizations to accomplish objectives:

o   Work with Director of Research Policy and scientific team members to set strategy and oversee activities related to the International Council on Animal Protection in OECD Programs (ICAPO), the International Council on Animal Protection in Pharmaceuticals (ICAPPP), and other ongoing collaborative relationships.

o   In coordination with Director of Research Policy, oversee laboratory testing efforts or other projects to demonstrate the scientific relevance of nonanimal methods.

o   Attend meetings and events to gain contacts in the test method developer industries and relevant organizations.

o   Find opportunities to collaborate on projects and presentations with external organizations.

o   Support the development department in fundraising for our work on eliminating animals in regulatory testing.

• Fulfill supervisory responsibilities:
  • Supervise a team of three scientists working on our regulatory programs.

This is a full-time position that may be performed remotely from any location in the United States. The Physicians Committee is headquartered in Washington, D.C. (Friendship Heights on Metro’s Red Line).

The position level for this role is Senior Specialist Supervisor. Senior Specialist Supervisor salaries start at $91,942 and have a midpoint of $92,856. A salary offer will take into consideration education, experience, and skills along with internal and external reference points. 

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate for this position will:

·       Be passionate about alternatives to the use of animals in research, education, and testing.

·       Have a master’s or doctoral degree in toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related field.

·       Have at least 20 years of total work experience.

·       Have at least 5 years of experience in a nongovernmental organization, government, or industry position related to regulatory testing and/or compliance.

·       Have a thorough understanding of concepts in toxicology and pharmacology including in vivo, in vitro, and in silico test methods and familiarity with the laws, regulations, and practices related to toxicological testing.

o   Experience with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guidelines and regulatory requirements is a plus.

·       Be an excellent oral and written communicator.

·       Be willing to travel, present, and network to further our message and build connections to facilitate progress.

·       Have experience supervising a team.

How to Apply

We require a formal cover letter and resume to apply. In your cover letter, please tell us about your interest in our mission, your related experience and accomplishments, and your professional goals. Click here to apply online. We look forward to hearing from you! Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.