SeniorDirector, OncologyPathology Therapeutic Area Lead

Location
:
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Job : R-243691

Date Posted
: 13/01/2026

Join our dedicated Research & Development team in Biopharmaceuticals R&D as a Senior Director, Oncology Pathology Therapeutic Area Lead. You will be accountable for managing pathology evaluations across the entire Oncology portfolio, which includes ADCs, Radio conjugates, small molecules, Protac, Immune Cell Engagers, Cell therapy, and Hemato-oncology. You will have significant input into the non-clinical and clinical development strategies, managing stakeholders at the VP level and higher across Oncology R&D and beyond.

You will provide expertise on ensuring critical interpretations among program pathologists and drug candidates, and directly impacting multi-million dollar assets at all stages of the Oncology portfolio. Additionally, the Oncology PTAL significantly contributes to the Global Pathology and CPSS strategies and is recognized externally as a thought leader and expert within the Toxicologic Pathology and Drug Development fields.

In this role, you will foster a culture of continuous improvement and scientific curiosity. You will collaborate with the pathology leadership team to integrate pathology findings with biomarker data, multimodal endpoints, non‑clinical endpoints, and other relevant scientific information. You will demonstrate your extensive knowledge of toxicological pathology in support of drug discovery & development, and you will coach program pathologists. You will develop networks within the company to drive collaborative research and operational innovations.

You will also build and influence networks across the pharmaceutical industry, including academic and industrial partners, competitors, and regulatory agencies.

• DVM and international (ACVP/ECVP) board certification required. PhD in pathology, toxicology or related disciplines is a plus
• 10+ years of experience required in the toxicologic pathology area
• Significant experience in toxicologic pathology across drug modalities and therapy areas in support of drug development within the pharmaceutical industry
• Excellent communication skills and strong scientific track record with publications in high quality journals
• Broad cross-species toxicologic pathology expertise with experience of histopathological evaluation and/or peer review
• Strong familiarity with complementary data sets (e.g. clinical pathology, investigative pathology endpoints)
• Highly effective written and communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex pathology data to a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated highly developed collaborative working and ability to lead within a matrix organization
• Ability to act as an external ambassador and influence external organisations to enhance the image and reputation of Astra Zeneca
• Previous managerial experience in pathology with proven ability to lead, mentor, motivate and develop others

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 doesn’t 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. This role does not allow for remote or travel constructs.

At AstraZeneca, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. We celebrate our successes and failures along the way, driven by our shared belief in what science can do. We are always learning from those living with diseases and harnessing digital, data science & AI to fast‑forward our research.

This is an environment where exploration and curiosity thrives. If your passion is science and you want to be part of a team that makes a bigger impact on patients’ lives, then…