AstraZeneca

Senior Director Theranostics and Radiation Science

AstraZeneca$233K — $350K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in a scientific, medical, or health-related discipline
  • Extensive clinical research and development experience in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology
  • Proven leadership in managing cross-functional, senior project teams
  • Strong strategic development and execution skills in clinical environments
  • Deep knowledge of drug development processes and regulatory guidelines
  • Operational expertise in clinical trials and regulatory submissions
  • Outstanding communication skills across diverse stakeholder groups
  • Demonstrated mentoring and team leadership abilities
  • Commitment to compliance with safety and regulatory standards

Responsibilities

  • Develop strategies for Clinical Research & Development aligned with global goals
  • Lead execution of clinical studies focusing on scientific rigor and patient-centricity
  • Collaborate with Line Managers for resource identification and team formation
  • Implement best practices, technologies, and processes in global clinical strategies
  • Manage resource planning and talent acquisition for projects
  • Oversee budgeting, timelines, and risk management for clinical initiatives
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with external service providers
  • Prepare regulatory submission materials and participate in approval processes

Benefits

  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Paid leaves
  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
  • Equity-based long-term incentive program
  • Work-life balance with flexibility around office presence
Full Job Description
Accountabilities
- Develop and align strategies and objectives for Clinical Research & Development, ensuring they support AstraZeneca's global goals and product vision.
- Lead and oversee execution and delivery of clinical research & development studies, ensuring scientific rigor, commercial viability, and patient-centric focus throughout the drug lifecycle.
- Lead the work with Line Managers to identify resource need and secure resources to ensure flexible and timely formation of the Clinical Research & Development Teams and progression of deliverables
- Provide strategic and operational input to ensure implementation of best practices, new technologies, processes, and global clinical strategies.
- Manage resource planning in collaboration with line managers, securing talent and flexible teams to support dynamic project requirements.
- Oversee budgeting, timelines, contingency and risk management planning, and escalate operational or strategic issues as appropriate.
- Lead the negotiation and management of contracts with CROs and external service providers.
- Drive the preparation, review, and delivery of regulatory submission materials and actively participates in regulatory defense/approval processes.
- Have personal responsibility for creating a culture of courageous leadership, creativity and collaboration
- Mentor, develop, and manage performance of line management and project teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering succession planning.
- Ensure all work is compliant with internal and external standards, including Safety, Health, Environment, and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications and Skills
Essential: Advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent) in a scientific, medical, or health-related discipline;

Extensive experience in both clinical research and clinical development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry;

Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional and/or senior project teams;

Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution in both clinical research and clinical development environments;

Strong knowledge of the drug development process, GCP/ICH guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements;

Significant operational experience in the planning, delivery, and oversight of clinical trials and regulatory submissions;

Budgetary, resource, and risk management expertise on a global or regional scale;

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to diverse stakeholders;

Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead teams;

Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, strategic influencing, and cross-functional collaboration;

Commitment to compliance and safety, health, and environmental standards;

Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Desirable: Experience as a recognized expert or thought leader within the business and wider industry;

Project management certification or formal training;

Experience in the introduction or implementation of new technologies or innovative approaches within clinical research or development;

Experience in change management and process improvement initiatives;

Experience managing complex organizational structures or leading in a global organizational context;

Extensive familiarity with key therapeutic areas relevant to AstraZeneca's portfolio;

Record of effective succession planning and leadership development within multi-level teams;

Experience in successful regulatory defense and participation in external advisory boards or similar expert panels;

Advanced negotiation and contracting experience with CROs or external service providers;

Ability to identify and leverage emerging trends in drug development, technology, and scientific innovation.

Key Relationship to Reach Solutions
Internal: Study Delivery personnel; Data Management Centre representatives; Clinical Project Team and therapy area personnel; Clinical Development personnel; Clinical Pharmacology Units; Study Site personnel; Regional Monitoring personnel; Other Skill Centres as appropriate.

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
08-Sept-2026

Closing Date
29-Nov-2026

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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