Senior Director, External Science Engagement Strategy at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Job Description:

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise.


Within Oncology R&D (ORD), we are empowered to be bold, take calculated risks and use our intelligence and courage to always follow the science. This approach has enabled us to successfully deliver 7 new Oncology medicines in as many years.


It is the breadth and strength of our innovative pipeline that offers both security and stability. And with the goal to deliver 6 new molecular entities by 2025, it's up to each of us to keep pushing our industry-leading Oncology pipeline forward and build the future.


The Senior Director, External Science Engagement Strategy Lead will support the External R&D mission of driving and integrating insights, biosamples, capabilities and accelerating clinical trial delivery through our industry-leading academic ecosystem. Specific responsibilities include ownership of External Science Panels, Science Days and the generation of milestone-informing insights that support individual tumor and asset strategies as well as the overall Oncology R&D Strategy. It will drive cross-functional collaboration across Early Oncology, Late Oncology, Tumor Councils, and ORD Strategy teams. As a critical member of the ORD Strategy team and a member of the External R&D Leadership Team, this role will lead critical team-wide initiatives and workstreams.


In this role you will utilize your experience, leadership, and extensive expertise in oncology to lead effective cross-functional working teams of internal stakeholders in the Hematology/Oncology R&D and leverage the vast AZ network of external experts in order to drive and deliver the AZ Oncology strategy.



What you will do:

• With senior ORD leadership, identify highest-priority strategic topics for External Engagements and integrate learnings and insights into strategic plans.


• Manage multiple cross-functional, cross-disciplinary working teams to deliver External Engagements.

• Utilizing multiple delivery models (e.g., External Science Panel, Science Days, Scientific Symposium, etc.)


• Work with ORD-LT members to socialize and integrate critical outputs, actions, and recommendations into strategic plans.


• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AZ pipeline, strategy, vision, and SBDA priorities.


• Collaborate with broad functional teams across the early and late-stage oncology organization (Early Oncology, Late Oncology, Tumor Councils, and SBDA).

• Lead subset of External R&D internal workstreams in close collaboration with other members of the Leadership Team.


• Manage Key External Expert (KEE) relationships and participate in meetings with external partners; prepare and deliver external presentations.

• Contribute to budget management, governance processes, and annual planning processes.

• Maintain compliance with all company compliance and regulatory guidelines governing external interactions.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD or MD in life sciences, biomedical sciences, healthcare, or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience working in or consulting with the pharmaceutical industry.


• Critical strategic thinker comfortable with designing and executing workplans and communication cascades within a highly matrixed organization.


• Highly collaborative with exceptional interpersonal skills and the capacity to influence stakeholders across Oncology departments


• Excellent written and verbal communications comfortable engaging and leading conversations with senior leadership.


• Highly organized with demonstrated strength in project management, and cross-function team management

• Experience working in a matrixed organization with demonstrated ability to influence across an organization.


• Experience representing an organization to external stakeholders and experts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Oncology drug development, strategy and process.


• Management consulting, investment banking, private equity, or other similar professional experience.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $209,597-$314,396. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.


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.


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. Apply Now