Job Title: Environmental Science Director
Introduction to role:
Join AstraZeneca as Environmental Science Director to lead a specialist team managing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) risks via Environmental Risk Assessments, Ecopharmacovigilance (EPV), and safe API discharge. You will develop and implement pollution‑prevention strategies, drive compliance and technical excellence, set goals and deliver high‑quality outputs, and build internal and external partnerships with specialised bodies and advisory councils.
Accountabilities:
1. Lead and manage a specialist team responsible for the management of risks associated with Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE), through delivery of Environmental Risk Assessments, Ecopharmacovigilance (EPV), safe API discharge programme.
2. Champion and drive new initiatives and improvement programmes to ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and technical excellence within the specialist area.
3. Lead the development and implementation of pollution prevention strategies associated with PiE.
4. Define area goals and oversee delivery of outputs for related projects to time and high standards.
5. Support the building of strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure best practices are integrated internally and collaborate closely with external specialised bodies and advisory councils.
6. Support business processes to ensure Contract Research relationships and Procurement objectives are balanced and can deliver the science needed for API risk management.
7. Manage the monitoring of regulatory changes, ensuring foresight, enabling active engagement with industry counterparts to supports specific regulation lobbying for defensible science and risk mitigation for AZ.
8. Provide input into the global Sustainability & Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) strategy and ensure that the strategy aligns with and supports wider regional and global plans.
9. Own and deal with a wide range of problems that require complex judgements and innovative solutions.
10. Support technical and strategic decisions on environmental safety of AZ APIs, possibly requiring senior leadership discussions to manage business needs with regulatory requirements and sustainability objectives.
11. May be part of cross functional multi-disciplinary teams within AstraZeneca undertaking projects and tasks to meet the objectives of AstraZeneca’s sustainability strategy.
12. Oversee scientific leadership and co-ordination of research into potential environmental fate and effects of our products.
13. Ensure AstraZeneca continues to promote the best quality science through multiple partnerships to maximise license to operate.
14. Manage and support development of team members through internal and external opportunities.
Essential Skills/Experience:
15. Degree in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent qualification
16. Excellent communication skills and ability to influence others
17. Pharmaceutical experience
18. Up‑to‑date knowledge of the latest research in this specialist area
19. Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high‑performing teams
20. Strong people management skills, with a track record of coaching, mentoring, and talent development
21. Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global environment
22. Effective problem-solving skills
23. Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills as well as proven negotiation, collaboration and interpersonal leadership skills
Desirable Skills/Experience:
24. Specialist experience in a SHE department, Environmental safety, product sustainability or related discipline
25. Experience with ecotoxicology and/or environmental chemistry and/or environmental fate studies
26. Good laboratory practice experience and contract research
27. Experience of managing a team with mixed specialisms
28. IBERA diplomate status
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.
Why AstraZeneca:
Expect to work with cutting-edge science, digital tools and lean practices, with unexpected teams in the same room to unlock fresh answers to tough problems. We value kindness alongside ambition, offer global scope to stretch your skills, and back bold ideas that advance our zero-carbon commitments and strengthen our license to operate—so your work protects the planet and speeds therapies to people who need them.
Date Posted
05-Jan-2026
Closing Date
16-Jan-2026Our 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.