Director, Theranostics and Radiation Science

Job description

At AstraZeneca, we’re building a different kind of biopharmaceutical company—one that redefines how transformational oncology medicines are conceived, developed, and delivered. Oncology Targeted Discovery accelerates impact by attacking cancer from multiple angles through innovative modalities, combinations, and precision regimens. The Director, Theranostics and Radiation Science will play a key role in supporting the management, mentorship, and development of the Radiation Sciences team. You will help guide and support team members, fostering collaboration and professional growth within the team. In addition to leadership, you will oversee key processes and work cross-functionally with divisions across Imaging and Radioconjugate development, including but not limited to Clinical Operations, Preclinical Teams, Pharmacometrics, DMPK, and Regulatory Affairs. The role will also involve working with and helping manage external vendors and contractors to ensure the successful execution of ongoing and upcoming clinical trials. This position requires a scientific and strategic mindset, strong technical background, and the ability to navigate complex projects while collaborating effectively across internal and external stakeholders. **Position Summary** Under the direction of the Head of Theranostics and Radiation Science, the Director, Theranostics and Radiation Science will serve as a senior medical physicist and play a key role in the management, mentorship, and development of the Radiation Science team. This individual will guide and support team members, fostering collaboration and professional growth within the team. In addition to team leadership, the position will oversee key processes and work cross-functionally across Imaging and Radioconjugate development, including but not limited to Clinical Operations, Preclinical Teams, Pharmacometrics, DMPK, and Regulatory Affairs. The role will also involve working with and helping manage external vendors and contractors to ensure the successful execution of ongoing and upcoming clinical trials. This position requires a scientific and strategic mindset, a strong technical background in medical physics, and the ability to navigate complex projects while collaborating effectively across internal and external stakeholders. **Responsibilities** - Own and execute imaging and dosimetry strategy for assigned programs, from Phase 0 biodistribution studies through clinical dose escalation, in alignment with Radiation Science priorities. - Optimize and review nuclear medicine imaging protocols, including quality control (QC) parameters, image acquisition and reconstruction, radiation dose determination, and protocol dose management. - Define requirements and provide technical support for imaging execution at clinical sites, ensuring proper implementation and adherence to study protocols. - Design and oversee quality control protocols, working with both internal teams and external partners for imaging review and processing. - Manage external imaging and dosimetry vendors and contractors for assigned programs, including scope definition, deliverable review, and issue resolution. - Perform, review, and oversee image-based, patient-specific dosimetry calculations (internal dosimetry, not external beam radiation therapy [EBRT]). - Author and review dosimetry and imaging content for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND/CTA sections, briefing documents, and responses to health authority questions). - Provide training, mentorship, and problem-solving support to Radiation Science team members and to internal and external clinical study teams to ensure study objectives are met. - Represent Radiation Science on cross-functional study teams, ensuring alignment with best practices in QC, image acquisition, radiation dose management, and compliance with regulatory standards. - Support regulatory compliance efforts related to radioactive materials, staying current with guidelines from regulatory and professional organizations (e.g., AAPM, SNMMI, NRC, and international regulatory bodies). - Contribute to research and discovery projects as needed, providing scientific and technical expertise to advance innovation in radiation science and molecular imaging. - Travel as needed (5-10%). **Qualifications** - Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, or another physical science, followed by a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in medical physics, physics, or a related scientific discipline (required). - Completion of a medical physics residency or equivalent postdoctoral training, followed by 5-10 years of post-training clinical and/or industry experience in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, or radiopharmaceutical development; 1-2 years of industry experience preferred. - Board certification in medical physics (e.g., ABR, CCPM, or equivalent) preferred but not required. - Knowledge of and experience with personalized dosimetry for radiopharmaceuticals, including software such as OLINDA, MIM, or other imaging and dosimetry packages (required). - Experience with radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine, SPECT and PET imaging techniques, image reconstruction, and camera quality control procedures (required). - Strong understanding of radiation biology and radiation physics (required). - Advanced technical computer skills, a thorough understanding of imaging infrastructure such as DICOM and PACS, and working knowledge of at least one programming language (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python) (required); familiarity with client/server architectures and image processing preferred. - Ability to interpret and apply imaging-related project requirements within clinical study protocols, and to translate dosimetry and biodistribution results into program-level recommendations. - Demonstrated experience mentoring or supervising scientific staff and leading cross-functional workstreams. - Knowledge of radioactive materials regulations and guidelines from professional and regulatory organizations (e.g., AAPM, SNMMI, NRC, and international regulatory bodies). The annual base salary for this position ranges from $203,709-.305,564 However, 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. 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 salary (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. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire 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 unique and ambitious world. **Date Posted** 11-Sept-2026 **Closing Date** Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.