Associate Director

AstraZeneca • Waltham, MA

4d • $134,893 - $202,339 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Associate Director with experience in hematology-oncology and a proven track record of scientific excellence to join our In Vivo Pharmacology Team in Waltham, MA, USA. As an Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology, you will be leading research to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of small molecules in hematology-oncology. You will utilize your cancer biology experience and practical expertise to generate robust datasets that will have a direct impact on the oncology drug discovery process and drug pipeline. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Working in this one-site laboratory-based position within the Hematology Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology Team, you will develop, design, conduct and analyze both in vivo and in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics. You will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams including representatives from Translational Medicine, DMPK, Pharmsci, and Safety. You will work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in laboratory science you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in hematology biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling and have a genuine passion for this field of research. In addition, you will be responsible for leading a cross-functional working group focused on development and optimization of heme in vivo models in addition to biomarker assays for analysis of in vivo samples. Critical to this role is organizational and communication both within the in vivo team and the broader AZ organization. Essential Requirements: Education & Experience : Ph.D. with more than 7 years of research experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, focused on small-molecule drug discovery and development. Proven ability to lead multiple programs with a strong in vivo strategy and execution. In Vivo Pharmacology Expertise : Clear, demonstrated depth in small-molecule in vivo pharmacology, including design and interpretation of combination strategies with both small and large molecules (e.g., antibodies, ADCs, TCEs), and an understanding of the principles that drive optimal therapeutic combinations. Oncology Models : Hands-on experience establishing and executing hematologic oncology in vivo models, including subcutaneous and luciferase-tagged disseminated xenografts, disseminated PDX models, and studies in humanized mice. Data Package Delivery : Track record delivering high-quality in vivo pharmacology data packages for small-molecule programs, encompassing rodent tumor model development, dose-range finding and tolerability, PK/PD, and efficacy studies. In Vitro Proficiency : Working knowledge of in vitro techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, immunoblotting, spectral flow cytometry, MSD, and ELISA to support in vivo hypotheses and mechanism-of-action studies. Communication & Leadership : Excellent communication, organizational, presentation, and active listening skills. Demonstrated ability to drive, manage, execute, and present results for oncology small-molecule projects to project teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership, with flexibility and adaptability to align with AstraZeneca ways of working. People & Matrix Leadership : Strong interpersonal skills with a history of delivery in collaborative, cross-functional environments. Experience managing direct reports and influencing/leading across a highly matrixed organization. External Execution : Prior experience managing outsourced in vivo studies and vendor relationships, including coordination and oversight of CRO activities. Regulatory Compliance : Proven ability to create, submit, and manage IACUC protocols, ensuring adherence to animal welfare regulations and institutional policies. Disease Area Expertise : Subject-matter expertise in myeloma, lymphoma, and acute myeloid leukemia biology, including cancer progenitor cells and early hematopoietic transformation. Imaging Modalities : Experience with small-animal imaging, including bioluminescence imaging (e.g., IVIS), to support longitudinal efficacy and biodistribution studies. Publications & Thought Leadership : Strong publication record, with contributions to peer-reviewed literature; industry-focused publications are highly desirable. External Engagement : Experience identifying, initiating, and managing collaborations with external key opinion leaders and academic/industry partners to expand internal capabilities and accelerate program objectives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with more than 7 years of research experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, focused on small-molecule drug discovery and development.
• Proven ability to lead multiple programs with a strong in vivo strategy and execution.
• Clear, demonstrated depth in small-molecule in vivo pharmacology, including design and interpretation of combination strategies with both small and large molecules (e.g., antibodies, ADCs, TCEs), and an understanding of the principles that drive optimal therapeutic combinations.
• Hands-on experience establishing and executing hematologic oncology in vivo models, including subcutaneous and luciferase-tagged disseminated xenografts, disseminated PDX models, and studies in humanized mice.
• Track record delivering high-quality in vivo pharmacology data packages for small-molecule programs, encompassing rodent tumor model development, dose-range finding and tolerability, PK/PD, and efficacy studies.
• Working knowledge of in vitro techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, immunoblotting, spectral flow cytometry, MSD, and ELISA to support in vivo hypotheses and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, presentation, and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive, manage, execute, and present results for oncology small-molecule projects to project teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership, with flexibility and adaptability to align with AstraZeneca ways of working.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a history of delivery in collaborative, cross-functional environments.
• Experience managing direct reports and influencing/leading across a highly matrixed organization.
• Prior experience managing outsourced in vivo studies and vendor relationships, including coordination and oversight of CRO activities.
• Proven ability to create, submit, and manage IACUC protocols, ensuring adherence to animal welfare regulations and institutional policies.
• Subject-matter expertise in myeloma, lymphoma, and acute myeloid leukemia biology, including cancer progenitor cells and early hematopoietic transformation.
• Experience with small-animal imaging, including bioluminescence imaging (e.g., IVIS), to support longitudinal efficacy and biodistribution studies.
• Strong publication record, with contributions to peer-reviewed literature; industry-focused publications are highly desirable.
• Experience identifying, initiating, and managing collaborations with external key opinion leaders and academic/industry partners to expand internal capabilities and accelerate program objectives.

Responsibilities

• develop, design, conduct and analyze both in vivo and in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics
• collaborate with cross-functional teams including representatives from Translational Medicine, DMPK, Pharmsci, and Safety
• work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data
• stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in hematology biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling
• responsible for leading a cross-functional working group focused on development and optimization of heme in vivo models in addition to biomarker assays for analysis of in vivo samples

Benefits

• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees