Associate Director

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Associate Director with experience in hematology-oncology and a proven track record of scientific excellence to join our In Vivo Pharmacology Team in Waltham, MA, USA. As an Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology, you will be leading research to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of small molecules in hematology-oncology. You will utilize your cancer biology experience and practical expertise to generate robust datasets that will have a direct impact on the oncology drug discovery process and drug pipeline.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Working in this one-site laboratory-based position within the Hematology Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology Team, you will develop, design, conduct and analyze both in vivo and in vitro experiments to assess the function of our candidate oncology drugs and dissect the mechanism of action of novel cancer therapeutics. You will be expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams including representatives from Translational Medicine, DMPK, Pharmsci, and Safety. You will work collaboratively with project leaders to ensure timely generation, and dissemination of critical program data. As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in laboratory science you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in hematology biology, pharmacology and cancer modeling and have a genuine passion for this field of research.  In addition, you will be responsible for leading a cross-functional working group focused on development and optimization of heme in vivo models in addition to biomarker assays for analysis of in vivo samples. Critical to this role is organizational and communication both within the in vivo team and the broader AZ organization.

Essential Requirements:

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. with more than 7 years of research experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, focused on small-molecule drug discovery and development. Proven ability to lead multiple programs with a strong in vivo strategy and execution.
• In Vivo Pharmacology Expertise: Clear, demonstrated depth in small-molecule in vivo pharmacology, including design and interpretation of combination strategies with both small and large molecules (e.g., antibodies, ADCs, TCEs), and an understanding of the principles that drive optimal therapeutic combinations.
• Oncology Models: Hands-on experience establishing and executing hematologic oncology in vivo models, including subcutaneous and luciferase-tagged disseminated xenografts, disseminated PDX models, and studies in humanized mice.
• Data Package Delivery: Track record delivering high-quality in vivo pharmacology data packages for small-molecule programs, encompassing rodent tumor model development, dose-range finding and tolerability, PK/PD, and efficacy studies.
• In Vitro Proficiency: Working knowledge of in vitro techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, immunoblotting, spectral flow cytometry, MSD, and ELISA to support in vivo hypotheses and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Communication & Leadership: Excellent communication, organizational, presentation, and active listening skills. Demonstrated ability to drive, manage, execute, and present results for oncology small-molecule projects to project teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership, with flexibility and adaptability to align with AstraZeneca ways of working.
• People & Matrix Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with a history of delivery in collaborative, cross-functional environments. Experience managing direct reports and influencing/leading across a highly matrixed organization.
• External Execution: Prior experience managing outsourced in vivo studies and vendor relationships, including coordination and oversight of CRO activities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Proven ability to create, submit, and manage IACUC protocols, ensuring adherence to animal welfare regulations and institutional policies.
• Disease Area Expertise: Subject-matter expertise in myeloma, lymphoma, and acute myeloid leukemia biology, including cancer progenitor cells and early hematopoietic transformation.
• Imaging Modalities: Experience with small-animal imaging, including bioluminescence imaging (e.g., IVIS), to support longitudinal efficacy and biodistribution studies.
• Publications & Thought Leadership: Strong publication record, with contributions to peer-reviewed literature; industry-focused publications are highly desirable.
• External Engagement: Experience identifying, initiating, and managing collaborations with external key opinion leaders and academic/industry partners to expand internal capabilities and accelerate program objectives.

Site Description:

Our Waltham, Massachusetts facility develops life changing small-molecule research in North America, with innovative laboratories at the Gatehouse Park BioHub, just west of the city center. Our BioHub facility, is a bold new R&D initiative, which fosters life science discoveries and the exchange of ideas. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities to help book productivity and help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community. 

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here:  Kendall Square Press Release

Next Steps – Apply today!

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be an excellent fit, please share this posting with them.

As part of the application process for some roles at AstraZeneca, candidates may be asked to complete a series of online games, created by pymetrics, to assess certain candidate qualities to help evaluate potential match for the position. If the pymetrics process applies to this role, you will receive an email invitation with additional information following application. Once completed AZ will automatically receive your results - pymetrics will not be used solely in our decision-making process but will help us gather additional insight.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $134,892.80 - $202,339.20 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

Closing Date

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.