: Director, Clinical Imaging – Respiratory & Immunology (R&I)

About the role:

Join Early Clinical Development in R&I to lead the strategy and execution of clinical imaging across our translational, early-, and late-stage portfolio. You will set the vision for how imaging accelerates decision-making from first-in-human through registrational studies, ensuring high-quality, quantitative endpoints and modern analytics are embedded into development plans. Imaging is a strategic capability for AstraZeneca, and this role is pivotal in crafting how we deploy it to deliver transformative medicines for patients with respiratory and immunology diseases.

What you’ll do:

• Strategy and leadership: Define and lead the cross-program imaging strategy for assigned assets; translate disease biology into actionable imaging endpoints and decision points in the Clinical Development Plan (CDP). Serve as the imaging voice on Global Project Teams and Clinical Program Teams, influencing asset strategy and investment.

• Endpoint design and validation: Lead selection, technical validation, and qualification of imaging endpoints (standard and exploratory), including modality/sequence selection, acquisition/reconstruction parameters, site readiness, and harmonization plans. Drive enabling/method-development studies where needed.

• Trial implementation and quality: Lead all aspects of imaging protocol build, imaging charters, manuals, and risk-based quality management. Ensure central reads, QC, calibration/phantoms, and site training deliver reproducible, regulator-ready data across multicenter/global trials.

• Data, analytics, and insights: Partner with data science/biometrics to develop data flows (from DICOM to analysis-ready formats), ensure metadata completeness, and apply sophisticated analytics (e.g., radiomics, ML/AI, deep learning, quantitative segmentation) to extract robust signals from large, multimodal datasets. Champion pre-specification and validation of algorithms and ensure auditability and traceability.

• Vendor and partnership management: Select and lead imaging CROs, core labs, and image analysis vendors; supervise technical performance and data quality. Build external teamworks with academia and consortia to access novel techniques and reference datasets.

• Regulatory and compliance: Anticipate and address regulatory expectations for imaging endpoints; contribute to interactions, submissions, and responses, including documentation of imaging methods, validation packages, and sensitivity analyses.  Guide biomarker qualification efforts as needed. 

• Scientific leadership and communication: Present imaging strategies and readouts to governance and senior partners. Publish and present externally where appropriate. Elevate imaging literacy across R&I and mentor colleagues.

Essential requirements:

• At least 5+ years of experience with a Doctoral degree in an imaging-related field (PhD and/or MD) or equivalent sophisticated training; strong grounding in clinical imaging modalities, preferably CT and MRI, with strong understanding of acquisition and analysis.

• Consistent track record leading imaging endpoints in Phase I–IV trials, including develop, operationalization, and delivery in multicenter settings.

• Practical experience in quantitative image analysis and image informatics, including familiarity with DICOM standards, curation, harmonization, and quality control.

• Shown ability to analyze and interpret large, multimodal datasets (e.g., imaging + clinical + biomarkers/omics); experience working with statisticians and data scientists to build pre-specified analysis plans and validate algorithms.

• Strong cross-functional leadership and influence skills; success working in fast-paced, matrixed environments and driving decisions at asset and program governance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate sophisticated imaging and analytics concepts to diverse partners.

Desirable:

• Industry experience in pharma/biotech or imaging CRO/core lab

• Deep expertise in deploying imaging endpoints in respiratory, immunology, or adjacent TA areas; knowledge in at least one of: COPD, interstitial lung diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or autoimmune diseases.

• Deep expertise in the end-to-end delivery of multicenter imaging studies, including both standard/regulatory imaging endpoints and sophisticated/exploratory endpoints across diverse therapeutic areas.

• Experience working with imaging CROs, core labs and image analysis vendors

What you’ll gain:

• A transparent leadership role crafting how imaging advises portfolio decisions across R&I.

• The opportunity to apply innovative imaging science and analytics to accelerate proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-concept, and to support registrational-quality evidence.

• Collaboration with outstanding clinicians, translational scientists, data scientists, and external partners across multiple geographies.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $249,827 to $374,741. 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. 

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will help turn a rich, complex pipeline into real treatments by uniting science, disciplined execution, and smart digital tools. You will collaborate with unexpected teams that challenge ideas and accelerate progress, learning alongside peers who value kindness as much as ambition. With investment in cutting-edge capabilities and a clear focus on speed, quality, and sustainability, your leadership will shorten the path from study start-up to submission and, ultimately, to patients who need our medicines.

Call to Action:

Step forward to lead the clinical programs that shape the next wave of medicines—send your CV today and help us deliver impact at speed!

Date Posted

27-Mar-2026

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.

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.