Executive Director Global Product Leader, Oncology R&D

Job Title: Executive Director Global Product Lead, Oncology R&D 

Location: This role offers the flexibility to be based at: Gaithersburg, MD USA & Waltham, MA USA

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe!

We are committed to advancing the science of oncology to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We currently have over 100 Phase 1, 2, 3 and Lifecycle Management Oncology projects in our robust pipeline. We deliver the Research & Development for Oncology through our newly created Oncology R&D Unit. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development, enabling rapid acceleration of promising early-stage assets and life-cycle management programs.

Overview:

Join us at AstraZeneca as an Executive Director Global Product Lead (GPL) in Oncology R&D. This role offers the opportunity to lead and be accountable for multiple global cross-functional early global product teams across diverse biological mechanisms. As the 'CEO' of the asset, you will have the chance to make a big impact and be part of the team that aims to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. 

The Executive Director Global Product Lead (GPL) will have overall leadership and accountability of multiple global cross functional early global product teams across diverse biological mechanisms from candidate selection through Phase III investment decision across 3 of the major platforms (IO, ADC, Cell Therapy). This individual will be accountable for the strategic leadership and execution for the product candidates (essentially the ‘CEO’ of the asset). You will have oncology clinical drug development experience, demonstrated leadership, and be able to critically evaluate the science, clinical data and competitive landscape that underlies these programs. You will be able to effectively communicate across a broad range of audiences and have an ability to clearly articulate project specific strategies as it relates to the overall oncology strategy.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads global product teams from preclinical candidate selection through proof of concept leading to Phase III

• Investment decisions. If appropriate, GPLs may have the opportunity to continue to lead assets through late development/ registration.

• Single point of accountability for the strategy, budget, timeline and execution of a portfolio of pre-clinical and clinical stage therapeutic candidates.

• Create integrated product development plans which are aligned with business objectives and are differentiated from competitor products.

• Leads and communicates the project development strategy at governance meetings to secure funding and endorsement of the strategy.

• Leads the global project team to effectively manage/mitigate/communicate risk. Responsible for monitoring emerging data and pivot when deemed necessary.

• Responsible for maintaining a high degree of team effectiveness through collaboration, influence, and, as necessary, coaching and mentoring of cross-functional team members.

• Maintains relationships with external investigators to ensure projects are consistent with evolving clinical

Qualifications:

• Education: Graduate degree such as a PhD, PharmD or an MD/PhD is required

• 10+ years experience leading oncology drug development

Required Experience:

• Demonstrated success in developing oncology agents.

• Industry experience in drug development including experience in early phase non-clinical and/or clinical drug development and regulatory knowledge.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Oncology therapeutic area with experience in diverse biological mechanisms.

• Broad understanding of the evolving clinical landscape in oncology.

• Demonstrated experience leading and motiv