Principal Scientist - Safety Surveillance and Risk Assessment

Would you like to be a part of Altria’s Harm Reduction vision and journey to responsibly lead the transition of adult smokers to a smoke-free future? Have a degree in Toxicology or related field with experience in adverse event management and conducting toxicological risk assessments? If so, we want to speak with you!

We are hiring a Principal Scientist - Safety Surveillance and Risk Assessment. with demonstrated experience in Adverse Experience Management to join our Pre-Clinical group in Richmond, VA, or we are open to remote work arrangements.

The selected candidate will use their scientific and technical expertise to lead our adverse experience management program as well as conduct and write toxicological risk assessments in support of regulatory submissions and product stewardship activities.

What you'll be doing:
• Lead our Product Safety Surveillance Committee and independently manage our Adverse Experience program to meet regulatory requirements, complete pre-market tobacco applications and continuously evolve our understanding of the health effects of Altria’s portfolio of products
• Independently develop toxicological risk assessments in support of Altria’s highly regulated business
• Apply in depth knowledge of risk assessment methodologies to evaluate materials, ingredients and products
• Integrate different lines of toxicological evidence including read-across and QSAR to formulate science-based decisions to guide product development and as a part of regulatory submissions
• Lead and participate on teams within Pre-Clinical to develop best practices, operating procedures and protocols for our adverse experience management program as well as new or modified risk assessment methods
• Monitor and adjust to changes in the regulatory landscape
• Provide product stewardship support across products, materials, ingredients, technologies, manufacturing processes, signal detection in adverse experiences, etc. for Altria’s Operating Companies.
• Lead and participate on cross-functional teams, providing toxicological expertise while representing the Pre-Clinical team and Regulatory Sciences
• Monitor the scientific literature as well as maintain and expand relationships with key opinion leaders in academia in the areas of risk assessment and tobacco regulatory research
• You will participate in national and international scientific meetings and conferences to maintain and expand technical expertise

What we want you to have:
• PhD in toxicology or related field with 10+ years of experience in toxicology with demonstrated expertise in pharmacovigilance/adverse experience program management
• In depth knowledge of risk assessment and toxicological principles with strong experience applying them in a regulatory environment
• Strong experience in industrial and/or regulatory toxicology, U.S. and international regulatory environments
• Experience with applying predictive toxicology methods (e.g., read-across and/or QSAR approaches) to address toxicological issues (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze/synthesize data from multiple lines of human and/or non-human evidence to develop meaningful insights and conclusions
• Expertise in interpreting relevant studies to assess product safety
• Proven experience in preparing written regulatory submissions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for presenting and communicating results/data to both scientists and non-scientists
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to use those skills in cross-functional teams

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $132,500.00 - $202,100.00.    

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:

• Work where life works for you — with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
• Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
• A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
• Get recognized for your work – annual merit increases and performance bonus
• A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
• Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
• Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
• A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.