Senior Director Theranostics and Radiation Science

AstraZeneca

3d • $233,586 - $350,380 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing and aligning strategies and objectives for Clinical Research & Development, ensuring they support AstraZeneca’s global goals and product vision. The Senior Director will lead and oversee the execution and delivery of clinical research & development studies, ensuring scientific rigor, commercial viability, and a patient-centric focus throughout the drug lifecycle. This includes leading the work with Line Managers to identify resource needs and secure resources for the formation of Clinical Research & Development Teams and progression of deliverables. The role also involves providing strategic and operational input for best practices, new technologies, processes, and global clinical strategies, as well as managing budgeting, timelines, contingency, and risk management planning. A key responsibility is driving the preparation, review, and delivery of regulatory submission materials and actively participating in regulatory defense/approval processes. The position requires creating a culture of courageous leadership, creativity, and collaboration, while mentoring, developing, and managing performance of line management and project teams, and ensuring succession planning. All work must be compliant with internal and external standards, including Safety, Health, Environment, and regulatory guidelines. The role also involves leading the negotiation and management of contracts with CROs and external service providers. The company emphasizes an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) in a scientific, medical, or health-related discipline
• Extensive experience in both clinical research and clinical development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional and/or senior project teams
• Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution in both clinical research and clinical development environments
• Strong knowledge of the drug development process, GCP/ICH guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements
• Significant operational experience in the planning, delivery, and oversight of clinical trials and regulatory submissions
• Budgetary, resource, and risk management expertise on a global or regional scale
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead teams
• Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, strategic influencing, and cross-functional collaboration
• Commitment to compliance and safety, health, and environmental standards
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a recognized expert or thought leader within the business and wider industry
• Project management certification or formal training
• Experience in the introduction or implementation of new technologies or innovative approaches within clinical research or development
• Experience in change management and process improvement initiatives
• Experience managing complex organizational structures or leading in a global organizational context
• Extensive familiarity with key therapeutic areas relevant to AstraZeneca’s portfolio
• Record of effective succession planning and leadership development within multi-level teams
• Experience in successful regulatory defense and participation in external advisory boards or similar expert panels
• Advanced negotiation and contracting experience with CROs or external service providers
• Ability to identify and leverage emerging trends in drug development, technology, and scientific innovation

Responsibilities

• Develop and align strategies and objectives for Clinical Research & Development, ensuring they support AstraZeneca’s global goals and product vision.
• Lead and oversee execution and delivery of clinical research & development studies, ensuring scientific rigor, commercial viability, and patient-centric focus throughout the drug lifecycle.
• Lead the work with Line Managers to identify resource need and secure resources to ensure flexible and timely formation of the Clinical Research & Development Teams and progression of deliverables.
• Provide strategic and operational input to ensure implementation of best practices, new technologies, processes, and global clinical strategies.
• Manage resource planning in collaboration with line managers, securing talent and flexible teams to support dynamic project requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, timelines, contingency and risk management planning, and escalate operational or strategic issues as appropriate.
• Lead the negotiation and management of contracts with CROs and external service providers.
• Drive the preparation, review, and delivery of regulatory submission materials and actively participates in regulatory defense/approval processes.
• Have personal responsibility for creating a culture of courageous leadership, creativity and collaboration.
• Mentor, develop, and manage performance of line management and project teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering succession planning.
• Ensure all work is compliant with internal and external standards, including Safety, Health, Environment, and regulatory guidelines.

Benefits

• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program
• 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