Overview
AstraZeneca is a science-led biopharmaceutical company pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. We are transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do, for people, society and the planet. AstraZeneca has the largest research and development (R&D) footprint in the Canadian health sciences sector, based on the number of employees and number of Canadian clinical trials.
We employ more than 2,400 people in Canada at our headquarters in Mississauga, dedicated to researching, developing and marketing innovative medicines. Recently designated as a global Clinical R&D hub, AstraZeneca Canada is leading global clinical studies in oncology, biopharmaceuticals and rare disease.
The future of treatment for many of today’s diseases lies in uncovering mechanisms that are newly emerging or are still to be discovered. We believe the best way to help patients is to focus on breakthrough science to discover these mechanisms and develop novel, targeted therapies that interact with them.
AstraZeneca invested more than $230 million in Canadian health sciences research in our core therapy areas. In January 2025, we announced a major expansion of more than 700 new highly-skilled jobs. This builds on our 2024 agreement to acquire Hamilton-based Fusion Pharmaceuticals in one of the largest research investments made in a Canadian biotechnology company and our 2023 announcement of more than 500 new scientific and high-tech jobs in the Greater Toronto Area.
A place where people can thrive
Our people are the heartbeat of AstraZeneca Canada. We empower and support our employees by providing an environment fueled with growth and learning opportunities so they can reach their full potential. We also encourage employees to seek new experiences working across teams, functions and even the globe.
We believe in the power of an inclusive, diverse and equitable environment – because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come when employees are empowered to “speak up,” express their curiosity, and challenge conventional thinking. The AstraZeneca Employee Resource Groups – including Inclusion & Diversity, Network of Women (NOW), AZ Pride Canada and AZC Francophone Network – help raise diversity awareness and build a sense of community and belonging to ensure all voices are heard.
Finally, we understand the links between healthy people and a healthy environment. Sustainability in embedded in everything we do and we promote opportunities and encourage employees to contribute to building a healthier society and planet in ways that are meaningful for them – from supporting vulnerable children and families through Food Banks Canada and the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation to planting trees in partnership with One Tree Planted or the City of Mississauga’s One Million Trees program.
What we offer
Your curiosity, passion and entrepreneurial mindset are key to our shared success. We believe we are at our best, when you are at yours. That’s why we offer an empowering, supportive culture, world-class growth and development opportunities, as well as industry-leading benefits.
Health
AstraZeneca Canada emphasizes employee wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program. The Flex Benefits program allows employees to select coverage levels with substantial employer credits. Additionally, employees and their families can access resources like Lumino Health Virtual Care for 24/7 medical practitioner availability and Teledoc Health for informed medical advice.
Retirement Savings
Our competitive retirement savings programs reflect our commitment to the financial health and wellbeing of employees. With a very competitive basic contribution and match from AZ Canada, the Retirement Savings Program effectively allows employees to save for their future and enhance their financial wellness. And our voluntary Stock Purchase Plan and Tax Free Savings Account offer additional opportunities for our employees to save.
Flexible Extras
Supporting the whole-self is critical to helping people truly flourish. Alongside our benefits, in Canada, we offer a range of extras that show how much we value you and the big moments in your life. From improved maternity, parental and adoption leave, to increased paid bereavement days, and our 12-week top-up for compassionate and critical illness leave, we look after our people. We’ve even doubled the amount of support we provide for tuition assistance.
A Great Place to Work
Our dynamic culture truly sets us apart. Thrive@AZ, our platform to best support our people, focuses on three priorities: employee growth & development, health & wellbeing, and cultivating a vibrant, engaged and energized workplace. Through practical tools, resources, inspiring learning opportunities, and health and wellness support, we are helping our people thrive at work and beyond. We’re proud to say that our colleagues agree – 90% say AstraZeneca Canada is a ‘Great Place to Work’.
We've been recognized as one of the Greater Toronto Area's Top Employers for many consecutive years. Our employee-centric way of working has earned us several national awards for our culture and our employee benefits programs. We are continually looking for new ways to make our people feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions.
