Associate Director, RC Discovery - Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Fusion Pharmaceuticals, part of the AstraZeneca Group, is redefining precision oncology with next‑generation radioconjugates that deliver powerful alpha‑emitting payloads directly to tumors. Our pipeline spans multiple first‑in‑class programs—backed by a GMP‑compliant, state‑of‑the‑art radiopharmaceutical facility in Hamilton, we’re turning cutting‑edge science into real‑world impact for patients. Join us at the forefront of radiopharma innovation and be part of turning breakthrough science into meaningful outcomes for patients—come build what’s next with us!

Note: This role is 5 days per week onsite

The Role

As an Associate Director, RC Discovery – Immunohistochemistry (IHC), this role is for a recognized expert to spearhead the advancement of innovative IHC methodologies specifically for non-clinical radioconjugate discovery projects in oncology within AstraZeneca. The successful candidate will provide critical technical expertise in IHC, leading projects to evaluate and interpret complex data, and directly influence crucial go/no-go decisions for new compounds. A key focus will be driving the integration and implementation of cutting-edge IHC technologies, multiplexing strategies, and digital pathology solutions to enhance target validation, pharmacodynamics, and biomarker discovery. This new role within RC Discovery Biology involves building and leading a small team.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the development and leadership of the Radioconjugate (RC) Discovery – Immunohistochemistry function by advancing and applying immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or histopathology expertise, and by leading projects focused on innovative IHC methodologies

• Supports the delivery of drug discovery projects by project managing a small team and by providing technical expertise in immunohistochemistry (IHC), H&E staining and autoradiography, ensuring the generation of high-quality data
• Contributes significantly as a valued expert in immunohistochemistry to the assessment of target engagement, pharmacodynamic responses, and biomarker identification, thereby influencing critical go/no-go decisions for new compounds in RC discovery

• Oversees the development of innovative projects and contributes significantly to the practical delivery of project goals by providing expert advice on IHC assay design, interpreting complex histopathological and quantitative IHC data, and making high level recommendations to resolve issues and advance RC discovery programs

• Leads and champions new innovations including the evaluation, development & implementation of novel immunohistochemistry technologies, multiplexing strategies, and digital pathology solutions to meet strategic objectives

• Designs and implements improvements in IHC technologies, staining protocols, image analysis algorithms, and scientific approaches to enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomarker discovery and target validation within projects

• Serves as a primary resource for advanced immunohistochemistry expertise, sharing knowledge and best practices cross-functionally, and communicating important initiatives to the team

• Collaborates with other functions and ensures communication between teams

• Provides significant input into the performance management process of team members, including goal setting and overseeing professional development

• Ensures own work, and work of team, is compliant with Good Laboratory Standards (GLS), Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) standards, Radiation Safety, and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulation

Essential Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline

• Significant experience in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and histopathology, including assay development, optimization, validation, digital pathology, and quantitative image analysis, within a drug discovery or translational research setting. Proven understanding of molecular and cellular biology.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

Desirable:

• PhD degree in a related field and/or professional certification.
• Specific experience in oncology and radioconjugate discovery research.

At AstraZeneca, we foster a collaborative, innovative culture with opportunities to work across teams, functions, and geographies.   You’ll join a collaborative, innovative community with opportunities to work across teams, functions, and geographies—where your ideas move fast and your impact is visible. We’re committed to sustainability and equity, taking bold action on climate, access to healthcare, and disease prevention.

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing  View email address on careers.astrazeneca.com .

Join us to push the boundaries of science and deliver life‑changing medicines. Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Fusion, an AstraZeneca company.

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AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs.  In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.

In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role).  Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.

We are using AI as part of the recruitment process.

This advertisement relates to a current vacancy.