Job Description

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. Our global Safety Sciencesorganizationdelivers innovative non-clinical safety science and toxicologyexpertiseto enable the discovery,developmentand registration of novel medicinesacross drug modalities and therapeutic areas

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

Advanced Cell Models (ACM), such as organoids and Microphysiological Systems (MPS), are New Approach Methods (NAMs) 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 optimize therapeutic index for novel candidate drugs.

To enhance our ACM strategy, we are looking to recruit a Director, Advanced Cell Model External Engagement, Safety Sciences. The role will be based at our R&D site in Gaithersburg, MD. It is part of the Advanced Cell Models Team and reports to the Senior Director, Head of Advanced Cell Models, Safety Sciences.

• Develop andalign on anAdvanced Cell Model(ACM)strategic plan aligned withglobal regulatoryroadmaps/guidanceand policyon NAMs andAZ 3Rs
• Workwith internal stakeholders and external consortia and health authorities to qualify,validateand gain acceptance of NAMsin accordance with, for example,regulatory roadmaps/guidance and policy on NAMs.
• Lead influencethrough relevant externalstakeholders and consortiaontheacceptance ofNAMsdatain regulatory submissions
• ForACMsubmissions contribute to and align AZ methods withstandardizationroadmapsultimately submittingand securing acceptance of relevant ISO applications.The individual will lead efforts to promoterigorin ACMs and devise frameworks forprioritizingACM standards and qualification both internally and for health authority acceptance.
• Impact onAZR&D globally byadvisingothers,including senior management,ondevelopments and updates in regulatory guidance and policy for NAMs globally.
• Responsible forstrengtheningAstraZeneca’s external reputation and leadership in ACM and NAMs through active participation with industry and health authority consortia.
• ImpactonR&D globallyby leadingcross-enterprisepartnerships with innovation leaders tofacilitatethe sharing of ideas tooptimizetheapplication ofACMaligned to the3Rs, providing expert technical direction and problem solving

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7 -10 years of relevant postdoctoral experience

• Strong academic background with PhD in a relevant field (Cell Biology, Engineering, Pharmacology,Toxicologyor 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 strongtrack recordof independent research in industry, biotech, or academic setting.

• Track recordof scientific innovation, leadingdevelopmentand application ofcutting-edge, novel science

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

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

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $184,538.40 - $276,807.60 USD. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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 (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). 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 pay (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.

Date Posted

18-May-2026

Closing Date

31-May-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.