Senior Director/ Executive Director, Safety Sciences China

At AstraZeneca , we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines . Our global Safety Sciences organization delivers innovative non-clinical safety science and toxicology expertise to enable the discovery, development and registration of novel medicines . As we expand our footprint in China, we are seeking a senior leader to build and scale local Safety Sciences capabilities and integrate innovation from the local life-science ecosystem . This role will lead the Safety Sciences team in China while also providing visible local leadership across the wider Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences ( CPSS ) organization and ensuring strong alignment with global strategy, priorities, and ways of working. You will lead a high ‑ performing team , deliver critical toxicology strategies, expertise and data to accelerate global drug discovery and development project s , establish durable partnerships with CROs, top academic institutes , and biotech in China , channel cutting ‑ edge methods (advanced cell models, NAMs, AI/analytics, omics, Dx safety) to modernize toxicology and enhance translational safety decision ‑ making. Job description CPSS China leadership: Serve as the China Site Head for CPSS , providing local leadership and coordination across the broader CPSS organization in China. Act as a key link between the China (Shanghai and Beijing) and global CPSS footprints , facilitating align ment of local activities, talent, culture, engagement, and operational priorities with broader strategic objectives . Partner with the CPSS Leadership Team and other senior leaders to strengthen visibility, connectivity, and organizational effectiveness in China. Deliver effective toxicology strategies for assets developed in China (internally and/or with collaborators ) , translating program needs into testing strateg ies , study plans, timelines, and decision-making data , ensuring preclinical safety input that integrates seamlessly into global development and submissions. Oversee the design, placement, and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies, executed with qualified China CROs – d elivering quality, cycle ‑ time, and cost objectives with clear guardrails. You will ensure scientific integrity, translational context, and proactive risk mitigation; author/review study reports and regulatory modules; and support responses to health authorities, upholding GLP/ GxP ‑ like expectations for data integrity and inspection readiness. People and matrix leadership: L ead a high performing, bilingual team of Toxicologists , Safety Scientists and Study Monitors . Foster an inclusive culture, leading across cultural boundaries and time zones , setting local objectives aligned with global expertise groups, driving clarity on priorities and accountability . As a member of the Safety Sciences Leadership Team, contribute to global strategic objectives to Enhance Human Safety Predictions and Accelerate the Delivery of Candidate Drugs to Patien t s. S erve as the primary Safety Sciences point of contact in the China time zone for cross functional partners, ensuring aligned priorities and seamless integration with global teams. Build credibility and trust with internal governance bodies and external collaborators to accelerate progress. Innovation and ecosystem development: Anticipate scientific and portfolio trends; scout and pilot China - based innovations (advanced cell models, NAMs, AI/analytics, omics, Discovery safety). Establish collaborations with leading academics, biotech, and preferred CROs, channeling validated approaches into global practice. Contributes to internal and external scientific reputation and role model s demonstration of AZ Values . Essential skills and experience Scientific excellence, with a P hD in toxicology , pharmacology, pathology, cell biology or related life science , with a s trong scientific track record , including high impact publications . Solid d rug discovery and development exper ience from expert/le