Associate Director, Toxicology

Overview

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

Leads nonclinical safety strategy for development programs, advancing assets from discovery through clinical stages. Shapes toxicology approaches, interprets complex data, and influences program decisions to ensure patient safety and regulatory success. Serves as a scientific authority in toxicology, integrating cross‑functional insights and external regulatory expectations. Drives innovation in safety assessment while contributing to organizational scientific leadership.

• Develop and lead nonclinical toxicology strategies for multiple programs across discovery and development stages.
• Interpret toxicology and safety pharmacology data to inform risk assessment and program decisions.
• Provide strategic input into regulatory submissions, including IND‑enabling studies and health authority interactions.
• Influence cross‑functional teams by integrating toxicology insights with clinical, regulatory, and translational considerations.
• Oversee design, execution, and interpretation of outsourced and internal toxicology studies.
• Identify and mitigate safety risks, proposing alternative strategies to advance programs.
• Contribute to governance discussions, representing toxicology perspectives in decision‑making forums.
• Build external scientific network and monitor emerging trends in toxicology and safety sciences.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide scientific guidance across the organization.
• Drive continuous improvement of toxicology processes, tools, and scientific approaches.

• PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related life sciences field with 10+ years of relevant industry experience, or a relevant combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in nonclinical safety assessment across multiple therapeutic modalities or indications.
• Proven ability to lead toxicology strategy for programs advancing into clinical development.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and interacting with health authorities (preferred).
• Strong scientific judgment with the ability to interpret complex and ambiguous data sets.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to translate technical findings into business and clinical implications.

Salary Range: $ to $. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, health care coverage, ESPP, and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at  This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

"Life at Denali" is a living reflection of our values: trust, unity, grit and growth. These are not just words we share—they shape how we show up, collaborate and push boundaries together. From the lab to the community, across functions and milestones, our culture thrives on shared purpose and relentless pursuit.