Director, Immunotoxicology, Immune Safety in Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, UK (3 days on site per week)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science‑led, patient‑focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working toward eliminating cancer as a cause of death. Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!

As our pipeline continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and scientifically rigorous Director, Immunotoxicology, Immune Safety to help advance transformative medicines with patient safety at the forefront. This is a strategic leadership role within our Immune Safety function, offering the opportunity to shape immunotoxicology strategy across a diverse portfolio of drug modalities and disease areas. Based at our Cambridge R&D site, you will lead a global team and work at the interface of discovery and development to identify, assess, and mitigate target‑ and modality‑related immune risks. You will play a key role in enabling project progression by guiding the design and execution of experimental strategies that evaluate immune‑related toxicities and broader immune safety concerns.

At AstraZeneca, you will collaborate with experts across safety science, pharmacology, toxicology, drug discovery and development, imaging, pathology, and translational science. You will also have broad opportunities to deepen your expertise, expand your impact, and develop your career in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead immunotoxicology strategy across the BioPharma and Oncology portfolios, setting direction and prioritising activities to support key project and governance milestones.
• Partner with multidisciplinary project teams to develop, deliver, and interpret innovative immunotoxicology strategies that predict, assess, and mitigate immune safety risks.
• Lead a team to design and implement experimental strategies that identify, assess, and mitigate immune‑related toxicities and broader immune safety risks across projects, modalities, and disease areas.
• Build and develop a high‑performing team, shaping capabilities and focus to meet current and future portfolio needs.
• Influence project direction and decision‑making through clear communication of immunological risk assessments to project teams, governance bodies, and external health authorities.
• Maintain scientific leadership in immunology, building external collaborations where needed to advance novel immune safety initiatives.
• Support operational excellence by advising on clinical adverse events, coordinating laboratory budgets and equipment, ensuring compliance with SHE and human biological safety regulations, contributing to departmental strategy, and mentoring junior colleagues.

Requirements

• A PhD in immunology or equivalent, with significant years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience, delivering practical and scientifically robust solutions to mitigate adverse immune modulation.
• Demonstrated people leadership and line management experience, including leading scientific teams, setting direction, developing capability, and delivering high‑quality scientific outputs within challenging timelines.
• Deep expertise and experience in immune safety assessment, including in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro approaches; familiarity with immune or immune‑competent NAMs would be advantageous.
• Advanced knowledge of immunology, including innate and adaptive immunity, immune physiology, cell phenotypes, signalling pathways, secreted biomarkers, and tissue‑resident immune populations.
• Experience responding to regulatory immune safety questions from global health authorities as part of urgent or high‑priority response teams.
• Strong understanding of drug development across small molecules, biologics, and nucleotide therapies, and the immune risks associated with different modalities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, supported by impactful publications and a collaborative, inclusive working style grounded in high ethical and scientific standards.

Desirables

• Understanding of the clinical presentation and mitigation of adverse immune events.
• Experience contributing to inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing teams.
• Experience with automation and AI applications.

In Office Requirement

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. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer! The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme, and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.