Title: Director- Advance Cell Model Innovation- Safety Sciences - permanent

Location: Cambridge UK, Gothenburg SE, Boston MA, Gaithersburg MD

Salary: Competitive

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. Our global Safety Sciences organisation delivers innovative non-clinical safety science and toxicology expertise to enable the discovery, development and registration of novel medicines across drug modalities and therapeutic areas.

As a science-driven business, we continuously strive to innovate to enhance our scientific capabilities and accelerate the speed at which we bring medicines forward.

Advanced Cell Models (ACM), such as organoids and Microphysiological Systems (MPS), are New Approach Methods (NAMs) being used for safety assessment and to study disease biology. We are playing a leading role in the field to apply ACM to drug discovery and development, in particular to predict and optimise therapeutic index for novel candidate drugs.

To enhance our ACM strategy, we are looking to recruit a Director - Advanced Cell Model Innovation, Safety Sciences.

The role can be based at any of our R&D sites in Cambridge (UK), Gothenburg (Sweden), Boston MA (US) or Gaithersburg MD (DC metro area, US), it is part of the Advanced Cell Models Team and reports to the Senior Director, Head of Advanced Cell Models, Safety Sciences.

Accountability:

• Lead a forward-looking Advanced Cell Model (ACM) science and technology vision exploring new technologies, platforms and in-line biomarker detection systems, and overseeing their implementation to humanise prediction of safety and therapeutic index and enhance productivity.

• Develop and own the Advanced Cell Model strategic plan aligned with AZ 3Rs and work with internal stakeholders and external consortia and health authorities to qualify, validate and gain acceptance of NAMs in accordance with, for example, FDA and EMA Roadmaps.

• Responsible for scouting external science and providers, and provide expert input into decisions to explore, implement, and invest in new methodology/technology.

• Impact on R&D globally by leading cross-enterprise partnerships with innovation leaders to facilitate the sharing of ideas to optimise the application of ACM aligned to the 3Rs, providing expert technical direction and problem solving.

• Work with Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences and R&D IT data science experts to ensure data are FAIR, supporting workflows for biological data capture, insights, systems modelling and application of AI/ML for the development of "digital twins", and align internal data standards with external consortia (e.g. ISO), white papers and health authority requirements.

Requirements:

• Strong academic background with PhD in a relevant field (Cell Biology, Engineering, Pharmacology, Toxicology or related discipline), with high quality publications.

• Excellent understanding of ACM and NAMs (including organoids, MPS, in silico modelling), 3Rs and regulatory requirements for drug development.

• A proven understanding of drug discovery and development, with a strong track record of independent research in industry, biotech, or academic setting.

• Track record of scientific innovation, leading development and application of cutting-edge, novel science.

• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, able to solve problems in a goal-focused fashion with capacity to coordinate tasks across multiple projects.

• Excellent influencing, communication and presentation skills, ability to work across scientific disciplines and bridge organizational boundaries.

• Level of the role (Director / Associate Director) will be based on experience, understanding of drug discovery and development, and track record of successful development and application of cutting-edge, novel ACM/NAMs science.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel ambitious 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.

Join the team unlocking the power of what science can do. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. Our combination of curiosity and courage drives us to explore new possibilities without fear of failure. We celebrate our successes and learn from our failures along the way. Our inclusive environment allows us to work seamlessly as one team, using diverse global knowledge to create the greatest impact on disease.

If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients' lives, then there's no better place to be. Apply now!

what is next?

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to improve global public health!

We welcome your applications not later than 27th July 2025.

Where can I find out more?

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Are you ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to improve global public health!