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,fosteringcollaboration and professional growth within the team.

In addition to leadership, youwill oversee key processes and work cross-functionally with divisions acrossImaging andRadioconjugatedevelopment, 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 ascientific andstrategic mindset, strongtechnical background, and the ability to navigate complex projects while collaborating effectively across internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Optimize and review nuclear medicine imaging protocols, including quality control parameters, image acquisition and reconstruction, radiation dose determination, and protocol dose management.

• Define requirements and 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.

• Provide training, mentorship, and problem-solving support to internal and external clinical study teams to ensure studyobjectivesare met.

• Perform image-based, patient-specific dosimetry calculations (internal dosimetry, not external beam radiation therapy [EBRT]).

• Collaborate with the Radiation Sciences team on imaging protocol optimization, 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., SNMMI, NRC, and international regulatory bodies).

• Contribute to research and discovery projects as needed, providing scientific and technicalexpertiseto advance innovation in radiation sciences and molecular imaging.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in physical sciences,mathematicsor other physicalsciencesfollowed by a graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in medical physics,physicsor related scientific disciplines.

• Medical physics residency or PostDoctoral trainingwith5+years ofIndustry and/orclinical experience (post residency).

• Knowledge and Experience with personalized dosimetry for radiopharmaceuticals, experience with programs such as Olinda, MIM and other imagingand dosimetrypackagesisrequired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Board certificationispreferred but notrequired. 

• Prior industry experience is preferred but notrequired.

• Experience with radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Medicine,SPECTand PET imaging techniques,reconstruction,and camera quality control proceduresare preferred.

• Strongconcepts in radiation biology and radiation physics are preferred.

• Advanced technical computer skills and thorough understanding of modern electronic infrastructures relevant to radiological imaging such as DICOM, PACSisrequiredand, client/server architecturesandimage processingis preferred.

• Understanding of imaging-related project needs as expressed in a clinical studyprotocol.

• Experience with radioactive materials regulations or guidelines from regulatory organizations and professional organizations, (e.g.AAPM,SNMMI, NRC, and other country regulatory bodies)