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, fostering collaboration and professional growth within the team. 

In addition to leadership, you will oversee key processes and work cross-functionally with divisions across Imaging and Radioconjugate development, 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 a scientific and strategic mindset, strong technical 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 study objectives are 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 technical expertise to advance innovation in radiation sciences and molecular imaging. 

Basic Qualifications 

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

• Medical physics residency or Post Doctoral training with 5+ years of Industry and/or clinical experience (post residency). 

• Knowledge and Experience with personalized dosimetry for radiopharmaceuticals, experience with programs such as Olinda, MIM and other imaging and dosimetry packages is required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Board certification is preferred but not required.  

• Prior industry experience is preferred but not required. 

• Experience with radiopharmaceuticals, Nuclear Medicine, SPECT and PET imaging techniques, reconstruction, and camera quality control procedures are preferred. 

• Strong concepts 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, PACS is required and, client/server architectures and image processing is preferred. 

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

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