Director, Head of Animal Science and Technologies

AstraZeneca; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharma company in Hamilton seeks a Qualified Veterinarian to oversee an animal care program, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, a veterinary degree, and demonstrable experience in laboratory animal science. Join a dynamic environment focused on groundbreaking oncology research and play a key role in fostering a culture of care.

Benefits

Inclusive and barrier-free recruitment

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Awards for Top Employer

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree allowing registration for professional registration in the region.
• Demonstrable experience in laboratory animal science or medicine.
• Experience developing and maintaining an animal care program in preclinical research.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an animal care program compliant with government regulations.
• Ensure compliance with CCAC standards and government legislation.
• Lead day-to-day operations of the vivarium.

Skills

Laboratory animal science

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Resource utilization

Education

Veterinary degree (DVM)

Further education in laboratory animal medicine or business administration

Job description

Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a member of the AstraZeneca Group, is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs) as precision medicines. Fusion connects alpha particle emitting isotopes to various targeting molecules to selectively deliver the alpha emitting payloads to tumors. Fusion’s clinical portfolio includes but is not limited to: FPI-2265 targeting prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer currently in a Phase 2 trial; FPI-1434 targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor currently in a Phase 1 trial; and FPI-2068, a bispecific IgG-based EGFR-cMET targeted radioconjugate currently in a Phase 1 trial. Fusion has multiple other pipeline programs that will soon be entering into early FIH trials. In addition, Fusion is pursuing combination programs between RCs and other therapeutic modalities including DNA Damage Response Inhibitors (DDRis) and immune-oncology agents. To support execution for these programs, Fusion has a fully operational Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant state-of-the-art radioconjugate manufacturing facility to meet supply demand for our growing pipeline of RCs.

Summary

Qualified Veterinarian to have responsibilities including oversight of the animal care, use and veterinary program. This will include staff management, facility management, strategic planning for footprint and resource utilization, new skills and technology developments, scientific leadership and publications. To use in vivo expertise to provide advice to research groups supporting delivery to the portfolio. Responsibility for staff training and compliance within the internal facility, alongside application of 3Rs for animal welfare, and to foster a Culture of Care. Will be a member of the Global Animal Science & Technology Leadership team. Contributes to the AZ Council for Science and Animal Welfare (CSAW) as the lead for this country, supporting the oversight of the external program.

Responsibilities

• Establish & maintain an animal care program at our Hamilton location that is compliant with government regulations for in vivo laboratories and to enable AAALAC accreditation. Provide comprehensive, high quality service and oversight.
• Ensures conformity of all in vivo laboratory users with government and Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) standards, including a robust training program.
• Ensures compliance with relevant veterinary and medical legislation
• Ensures that own work and colleagues work is compliant with local Safety, health and Environment requirement
• Will ensure provision of highest standard of veterinary care and advice, ensuring compliance with all relevant parts of legislation, development of a 'best practice' culture and high quality science as a result of good animal welfare.
• Inspects external suppliers and breeders in order to ensure their standards comply with AstraZeneca policy.
• Regularly interacts with key stakeholders to understand future strategy with respect to laboratory animal science, participates in aligning technical partnering groups and delivering best practices to support the strategy.
• Lead staff to provide day-to-day operations of the vivarium, and works closely with the Therapy Area (TA) leadership and staff alongside key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of projects and documentation that conforms to agreed standards and project timelines.
• Provide veterinary knowledge and clinical skills, as well as specialist technical expertise to projects as required.
• Maintains awareness of advances and developments in laboratory animal science through continuing professional development
• Will need to assess and advise on significant areas of risk to business processes and reputation, and keep abreast of changing external standards and pressures such as political climate.
• Works in association with other in vivo team leaders to make an active contribution to deliver both local and global animal science, welfare and veterinary strategy.
• Will be a member of the global leadership team for the department of Animal Science and Technology
• Will be the CSAW Lead for the country, with contribution to the external oversight program as required.

Requirements

• Veterinary degree allowing registration for professional registration in region e.g. DVM
• Demonstrable experience in laboratory animal science and/or medicine
• Experience developing, implementing and maintaining an animal care program within a preclinical research environment
• Experience with CCAC and Provincial standards
• Understanding of relevant in vivo models (e.g. oncology) and practical in vivo skills in a variety of animal species
• Understanding of drug discovery and development processes in industry
• Understanding production and maintenance of genetically modified animal models
• Experience animal welfare ethical review bodies
• Proven experience and demonstration of effective capacity and resource utilization
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and experience in leading teams and working in a global environment
• Experience of developing a strong learning culture
• External network in relevant science field including 3Rs (partnership/collaborations)
• High level of business acumen

Desired

• Further education in relevant field (e.g. laboratory animal medicine, business administration)
• Experience of AAALAC standards, developing program description and accreditation
• Experience with the safe handling of radioactive and biohazardous materials/waste an asset
• Experience in experimental design, in vivo pharmacology and reporting requirements
• Active membership of a relevant professional body in this sector
• Experience in strategic leadership/management role in an animal research environment, including managing staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment, wit strong skills in planning and capacity management.

Fusion Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, if contacted for an interview, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

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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 [e-mail].

Date Posted

26-Nov-2025

Closing Date

11-Dec-2025

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.