Director, Advanced Cell Model External Engagement, Safety Sciences

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 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) 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 and align on an Advanced Cell Model (ACM) strategic plan aligned with global regulatory roadmaps/guidance and policy on NAMs and AZ 3Rs.  
• Work with internal stakeholders and external consortia and health authorities to qualify, validate and gain acceptance of NAMs in accordance with, for example, regulatory roadmaps/guidance and policy on NAMs.  
• Lead influence through relevant external stakeholders and consortia on the acceptance of NAMs data in regulatory submissions.  
• For ACM submissions contribute to and align AZ methods with standardization roadmaps ultimately submitting and securing acceptance of relevant ISO applications. The individual will lead efforts to promote rigor in ACMs and devise frameworks for prioritizing ACM standards and qualification both internally and for health authority acceptance. 
• Impact on AZ R&D globally by advising others, including senior management, on developments and updates in regulatory guidance and policy for NAMs globally. 
• Responsible for strengthening AstraZeneca’s external reputation and leadership in ACM and NAMs through active participation with industry and health authority consortia.  
• Impact on R&D globally by leading cross-enterprise partnerships with innovation leaders to facilitate the sharing of ideas to optimize the application of ACM aligned to the 3Rs, 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, 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. 

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 - $276,807.60USD. 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.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.