US - SM Bioscience Team

Executive Director, Head of US Bioscience, Small Molecules, Oncology Targeted Discovery

US - SM Bioscience Team
hybrid senior full-time $281,872.80 - $422,809.20 Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
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First indexed 18 Apr 2026

Description

Do you have a strategic mindset, analytical rigor, and visionary people leadership that enables you to deliver positive outcomes on high-impact projects? If you are looking to demonstrate those skills to help lead teams that shape our future oncology strategy, portfolio, and decision-making, we are keen to hear from you.

About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we're not afraid to do things differently. We're building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we're opening up innovative ways of working, pioneering groundbreaking methods, and bringing cross-functional teams together.

Early Oncology is focused on attacking cancer from multiple angles through innovative modalities, realizing the potential of combinations, and building treatment regimens with depth, durability, and precision. This senior leadership position – within the Oncology Targeted Discovery Department – will be accountable for the generation of bioscience data packages to support candidate drug selection and clinical positioning of assets, including prioritization of cross-portfolio combinations.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to lead the drug discovery efforts in small molecule portfolios in Oncology R&D. In this role, you will report to VP, Small Molecule Bioscience and lead a bioscience department based in Kendall Square.

Key accountabilities include:

  • Providing strategic leadership and direction for the Bioscience function and partnering with the Oncology Targeted Discovery senior leadership team in the vision and execution of the small molecule bioscience strategy.
  • Evolving the capabilities and fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture, ensuring resources are used appropriately to satisfy current and anticipated needs of the organization, and that the function drives performance and delivers business value.
  • Driving portfolio prioritization, staying abreast of the latest external developments and innovations, and being able to identify future strategic opportunities.
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with colleagues across the discovery, translational, and clinical organizations.

Education, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

  • PhD in Biological science discipline
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with deep drug discovery experience and ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders
  • Proven track record of delivering portfolio success in both pre-clinical and clinical phase
  • Experience of driving innovation and delivering strategic/operational change across the business
  • Oversight of in vivo pharmacology with awareness of local regulations
  • Proven leadership experience promoting, motivating, and empowering others to accomplish individual, team, and organizational objectives
  • Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills with consultative approach and ability to interact and build trust
  • Strong leadership and communication skills – ability to convey scientifically complex data and concepts in a simple, straightforward manner
  • Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive organizational relationships
  • Expert reputation within the business and externally across the industry

Why AstraZeneca?

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 on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we're opening new ways to work, groundbreaking pioneering methods, and bringing unexpected teams together.

Interested? Come and join our journey!

So, what's next? If you are passionate about the possibilities, don't hesitate in submitting an application today!

This listing is enriched and indexed by YubHub. To apply, use the employer's original posting: https://astrazeneca.eightfold.ai/careers/job/563877689853577