Senior Director Theranostics and Radiation Science

Senior Director, Theranostics and Radiation Science

AstraZeneca, Early Oncology Research and Development

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Head of Theranostics and Radiation Science, the Senior Director, Theranostics and Radiation Science will serve as a senior medical physicist and play a key leadership role in the management, mentorship, and development of the Radiation Science team. This individual will lead and develop team members, fostering collaboration, scientific rigor, and professional growth within the team.

In addition to team leadership, the Senior Director will own key processes and lead cross-functional engagement across Imaging and Radioconjugate development, including but not limited to Clinical Operations, Preclinical Teams, Pharmacometrics, DMPK, and Regulatory Affairs. The role will also involve managing external vendors and contractors and holding them accountable for the successful execution of ongoing and upcoming clinical trials.

This position requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership, deep expertise in medical physics and internal dosimetry, and the ability to navigate complex programs while collaborating effectively across internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead imaging and dosimetry strategy across the Radiation Science portfolio, from Phase 0 biodistribution studies through late-phase development, and shape the team's dosimetry frameworks, standards, and best practices.
• Provide line management, mentorship, and career development for assigned Radiation Science team members, and help set team priorities and resourcing.
• Own external imaging and dosimetry vendor relationships, including vendor selection, scope and budget, performance management, and escalation.
• Serve as the Radiation Science lead in health authority interactions on dosimetry and imaging, and own the dosimetry and imaging content of regulatory submissions (e.g., IND/CTA sections, briefing documents, and responses to health authority questions).
• Oversee optimization and review of nuclear medicine imaging protocols, including quality control (QC) parameters, image acquisition and reconstruction, radiation dose determination, and protocol dose management.
• Oversee requirements and technical support for imaging execution at clinical sites, ensuring proper implementation and adherence to study protocols.
• Oversee quality control protocols and their execution with internal teams and external partners for imaging review and processing.
• Perform, review, and oversee image-based, patient-specific dosimetry calculations (internal dosimetry, not external beam radiation therapy [EBRT]).
• Represent Radiation Science with senior leadership, governance bodies, and cross-functional partners, ensuring alignment with best practices in QC, image acquisition, radiation dose management, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Lead 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).
• Represent the organization externally through scientific societies, publications, and collaborations, and drive research and discovery projects that 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 Ph.D. in medical physics, physics, or a related scientific discipline (required).
• Completion of a medical physics residency or equivalent postdoctoral training, followed by 10 or more years of post-training clinical and/or industry experience in nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, or radiopharmaceutical development, including 3-5 years of direct or indirect industry experience in relevant fields (required).
• Board certification in medical physics (e.g., ABR, CCPM, or equivalent) preferred but not required.
• Extensive experience with personalized dosimetry for radiopharmaceuticals and proficiency in software such as OLINDA, MIM, and other imaging and dosimetry tools (required).
• Extensive experience with radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine, SPECT and PET imaging techniques, image reconstruction, and camera quality control procedures (required).
• Deep understanding of radiation biology and radiation physics, including alpha- and beta-emitting radioconjugates (required).
• Working knowledge of at least one programming language (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python) and of DICOM, PACS, and image processing techniques (required).
• Ability to interpret and apply imaging-related project requirements within clinical study protocols, and to translate dosimetry and biodistribution results into program and portfolio-level decisions.
• Demonstrated people leadership, including line management or formal mentorship of scientific staff, and a track record of leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and health authority interactions on dosimetry or imaging topics (preferred).
• Strong analytical skills with advanced problem identification and problem-solving abilities, particularly in clinical and technical applications related to radiation science.
• 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 $233,586.40 - $350,379.60 USD. 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

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.