Director, Clinical Imaging – Respiratory & Immunology (R&I)

About the role: Join Early Clinical Development in R&I to lead the strategy and execution of clinical imaging across our translational, early-, and late-stage portfolio. You will set the vision for how imaging accelerates decision-making from first-in-human through registrational studies, ensuring high-quality, quantitative endpoints and modern analytics are embedded into development plans. Imaging is a strategic capability for AstraZeneca, and this role is pivotal in shaping how we deploy it to deliver transformative medicines for patients with respiratory and immunology diseases.

What you’ll do

• Strategy and leadership: Define and own the cross-program imaging strategy for assigned assets; translate disease biology into actionable imaging endpoints and decision points in the Clinical Development Plan (CDP). Serve as the imaging voice on Global Project Teams and Clinical Program Teams, influencing asset strategy and investment.
• Endpoint design and validation: Lead selection, technical validation, and qualification of imaging endpoints (standard and exploratory), including modality/sequence selection, acquisition/reconstruction parameters, site readiness, and harmonization plans. Drive enabling/method-development studies where needed.
• Trial implementation and quality: Oversee imaging protocol design, imaging charters, manuals, and risk-based quality management. Ensure central reads, QC, calibration/phantoms, and site training deliver reproducible, regulator-ready data across multicenter/global trials.
• Data, analytics, and insights: Partner with data science/biometrics to architect data flows (from DICOM to analysis-ready formats), ensure metadata completeness, and apply advanced analytics (e.g., radiomics, ML/AI, deep learning, quantitative segmentation) to extract robust signals from large, multimodal datasets. Champion pre-specification and validation of algorithms and ensure auditability and traceability.
• Vendor and partnership management: Select and manage imaging CROs, core labs, and image analysis vendors; monitor technical performance and data quality. Build external collaborations with academia and consortia to access novel techniques and reference datasets.
• Regulatory and compliance: Anticipate and address regulatory expectations for imaging endpoints; contribute to interactions, submissions, and responses, including documentation of imaging methods, validation packages, and sensitivity analyses.  Guide biomarker qualification efforts as needed. 
• Scientific leadership and communication: Present imaging strategies and readouts to governance and senior stakeholders. Publish and present externally where appropriate. Elevate imaging literacy across R&I and mentor colleagues.

Essential requirements

• At least 5+ yeas with a Doctoral degree in an imaging-related field (PhD and/or MD) or equivalent advanced training; strong grounding in clinical imaging modalities, preferably CT and MRI, with strong understanding of acquisition and analysis.
• Proven track record leading imaging endpoints in Phase I–IV trials, including design, operationalization, and delivery in multicenter settings.
• Practical experience in quantitative image analysis and image informatics, including familiarity with DICOM standards, curation, harmonization, and quality control.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret large, multimodal datasets (e.g., imaging + clinical + biomarkers/omics); experience working with statisticians and data scientists to build pre-specified analysis plans and validate algorithms.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and influence skills; success working in fast-paced, matrixed environments and driving decisions at asset and program governance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate complex imaging and analytics concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Desirable

• Industry experience in pharma/biotech or imaging CRO/core lab
• Deep expertise in deploying imaging endpoints in respiratory, immunology, or adjacent TA areas; knowledge in at least one of: COPD, interstitial lung diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or autoimmune diseases.
• Deep expertise in the end-to-end delivery of multicenter imaging studies, including both standard/regulatory imaging endpoints and advanced/exploratory endpoints across diverse therapeutic areas.

• Experience working with imaging CROs, core labs and image analysis vendors

What you’ll gain

• A visible leadership role shaping how imaging informs portfolio decisions across R&I.
• The opportunity to apply cutting-edge imaging science and analytics to accelerate proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-concept, and to support registrational-quality evidence.
• Collaboration with world-class clinicians, translational scientists, data scientists, and external partners across multiple geographies.

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 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.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will help turn a rich, complex pipeline into real treatments by uniting science, disciplined execution, and smart digital tools. You will collaborate with unexpected teams that challenge ideas and accelerate progress, learning alongside peers who value kindness as much as ambition. With investment in cutting-edge capabilities and a clear focus on speed, quality, and sustainability, your leadership will shorten the path from study start-up to submission and, ultimately, to patients who need our medicines.

Call to Action:

Step forward to lead the clinical programs that shape the next wave of medicines—send your CV today and help us deliver impact at speed!

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.