Director – Oncology Safety Science & Discovery, Tumor Targeted Delivery

Associate Director/Director – Oncology Safety Science & Discovery, Tumor Targeted Delivery

At AstraZeneca, it is our bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This is underpinned by our rich pipeline striving to deliver innovative treatment options for patients. Oncology Safety colleagues contribute to this ambition by accelerating innovative and expert non-clinical safety science.

We are looking to recruit an Associate Director/ Director, Safety Science & Discovery to contribute to the discovery of novel targeted oncology medicines, including Antibody Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates. In collaboration with scientists across our Oncology R&D organization, this role will develop investigative toxicology strategies to address drug target- and modality-related safety risks, drive progression of drug discovery programs, and develop our safety science to inform the design and selection of novel drug candidates. This role will be based at our vibrant R&D site in Gaithersburg, MD (Washington DC area).

Within AstraZeneca, we place a strong emphasis on talent development. You will be able to develop your knowledge and skills by working together with experts and leaders in Oncology R&D, safety science, pharmacology, toxicology, drug discovery and development, imaging, pathology, and translational science.

Job responsibilities include:

• As core member of multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams, you will direct investigative/discovery toxicology strategies to predict, assess and mitigate target- and modality-related safety risks in discovery programs, with a focus on Antibody-Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates.
• Apply investigational and mechanistic safety studies through in vitro experimental capabilities to predict clinical safety and advise decision-making in drug discovery and development programs.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions and research proposals to pursue groundbreaking science and technologies in line with business needs versus safety aspects.
• Maintain expertise in regulatory requirements and preclinical safety approaches applied to Antibody Drug Candidates and Radioconjugates and awareness of industry trends.
• Publish in high quality, peer-reviewed journals, present at internal scientific meetings and external conferences.

Skills and Requirements:

• Excellent scientist with a PhD (or equivalent) in Biology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Immunology or related field, a strong scientific track record, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
• A proven understanding of drug discovery and development (5+ years of experience), with a strong track record of independent research in industry, biotech, or academic setting.
• Expertise in Oncology and targeted therapeutics, including understanding of drug safety aspects of ADCs and/or Radioconjugates.
• Experience with design and execution of in vitro and/or in vivo experiments to determine the effects of therapeutics on biological systems.
• The ability to build an understanding of biology around novel drug targets and pathways, develop testable hypotheses, and drive scientific learning.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, able to solve problems in a goal-focused fashion with capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and influencing skills across levels/subject areas with a strong desire to drive personal development.
• Level of the role (Associate Director/Director) will be based on experience, understanding of drug discovery and development, and track record of successful contributions to progression of drug projects and scientific accomplishment.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients' lives, then there's no better place to be!

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!