SENIOR DIRECTOR, HEAD OF ADVANCED CELL MODELS

SENIOR DIRECTOR, HEAD OF ADVANCED CELL MODELS

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

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

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 (ACMs), such as organoids and micro-physiological systems, provide New Alternative Methods (NAMs) for safety assessment and to study disease biology. We are playing a leading role in the field to apply ACMs to drug discovery and development, in particular to predict and optimize therapeutic index for novel candidate drugs.
 

To enhance our ACM strategy, we are looking to recruit a Senior Director, Head of Advanced Cell Models, Safety Sciences.
 

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

Job description:

• Accountable for defining and executing a strategy for the use of advanced cellular models to impact drug discovery and development decision making, in particular to humanize prediction of therapeutic index and to replace and refine both preclinical and clinical studies.

• Direct line and matrix leadership to deliver (i) approaches to optimize prediction of therapeutic index, integrating high-dimensional and systems modelling data for AstraZeneca portfolio discovery and development stage assets, (ii) exploration of new technology for advanced cell models, including scaling and/or automation and efficient data management, and (iii) partnerships with internal stakeholders and external consortia and health authorities to qualify, validate and gain acceptance of NAMs in accordance with, for example, FDA modernization Act 3.0.

• Provide leadership across Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences and across partner R&D functions driving effective collaboration to deploy existing and novel capabilities to influence drug discovery and development decisions across therapeutic areas.

• Address current needs and anticipate future capability gaps and technology demands to solve the critical needs of our diversifying portfolio across therapeutic areas and modalities.

• Influence and leverage the advancement across in vitro and in silico science to accelerate application of ACMs and NAMs.

• Impact internal and external understanding how ACMs and NAMs can support 3Rs objectives, support legislative requirements, drive ethical and sustainability objectives, towards societal and regulatory acceptance to refine and replace traditional methods.

• Forge dynamic industry network partnerships and collaborations (including cross-sector collaboration) with leading academic centers and subject matter experts to shape and align with emerging health authority requirements.
   

Qualifications that apply to the role:

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

• Robust understanding of drug discovery and development, across therapeutic areas and drug modalities.

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

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

• Demonstrated strong leadership skills in a complex matrix organization and line management experience with a track record in the leadership, management and talent development of individuals and teams, fostering an inclusive culture driving performance and development, and effective collaboration.

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

• Track record of securing internal / external research investments and leading dynamic and cross-functional collaboration as well as with academia, biotech, pharma industry and CRO partners.

US ONLY FOR PAY TRANSPARENCY

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 213,640.00 - 320,460.00 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay