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

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

At AstraZeneca, it is our bold ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This is underpinned by our rich pipeline striven 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.
  

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite bold thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our outstanding and ambitious world!

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!

The annual base rate of compensation for the Director position ranges from $172,761.60 to $259,142. The annual base rate of compensation for the Associate Director position ranges from $133,642.40 to $200,464. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

---