Senior Program Officer (SPO), Toxicology

Senior Program Officer (SPO), Toxicology

Gates Foundation

August 14, 2025September 28, 2025SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the chance to live healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a thriving work environment for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Toxicology will play a crucial role within the Translation Sciences (TS) team, which is part of the Discovery & Translational Sciences (DTS) mission. This position is focused on accelerating the translation of research into practical health solutions, particularly in resource-constrained environments. The SPO will be responsible for integrating toxicological evaluations early in the development process to minimize safety failures in human studies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in toxicology and a strong commitment to global health impact. This role involves collaboration with discovery scientists, pharmacologists, and product developers to ensure the safe progression of therapeutics and vaccines from preclinical stages to clinical studies, with a focus on understanding safety and pharmacologic liabilities. The SPO will also guide investment strategies, conduct technical due diligence, and build partnerships with various organizations in the health sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Program Officer include:
  • Strategy Development: Collaborating with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director to shape strategies for nonclinical development of global health products, promoting the integration of toxicology into discovery programs, and ensuring alignment with clinical development plans.
  • Investment Management: Managing a portfolio of investments focused on toxicology and safety assessment, evaluating performance objectives, and making decisions on project progression.
  • Subject Matter Expertise: Providing toxicological guidance to internal teams and external partners, evaluating preclinical data, and tracking innovations in toxicology.
  • Partnerships: Building strategic relationships with external partners, ensuring alignment with foundation goals, and contributing to global discussions on toxicology and safety science.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD, DVM, or equivalent in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related field, along with over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors. They should have extensive experience leading toxicology programs and transitioning therapeutics from preclinical to clinical development. Proven expertise in GLP-compliant toxicology study design and regulatory documentation is essential. Familiarity with emerging safety science platforms and experience with various therapeutic modalities is preferred. Strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse teams are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD, DVM, or equivalent degree in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline. This advanced education is critical for understanding the complexities of toxicology and its application in global health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries, with a strong emphasis on leading toxicology programs and successfully transitioning therapeutics from preclinical to clinical stages. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing complex projects and investments in the health sector.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the global nature of the organization. Additional languages may be beneficial for collaboration with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Seattle, and candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $261,700 to $405,700 USD, with higher ranges for positions in Seattle and Washington D.C. The organization emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. New hires typically start within the range minimum and midpoint, depending on their skills and experience. The hiring process includes a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities. The foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.
Similar Jobs