Director, Theranostics and Radiation Science

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, stron g   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 workstream