Associate Director, Translational Medicine Lead, Haematology R&D

Associate Director, Translational Medicine Lead, Haematology R&D

Location: Gaithersburg, MD USA

Company Overview AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that emphasizes the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. We are more than just a leading pharmaceutical company; we cultivate an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation by attracting top talent and nurturing development.

Department Overview Within Haematology R&D, we are dedicated to advancing science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients in need. Our combination-focused pipeline harnesses the power of multiple scientific platforms—immuno-oncology, tumor drivers and resistance, DNA damage response, antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapy, and epigenetics—to address unmet needs in haematological cancers. Our commitment to scientific discovery and collaboration drives our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, managing the value chain from discovery to late-stage development.

Translational Medicine (TM) Overview Translational Medicine (TM) transforms haematological cancer biology into actionable insights for therapeutic development and clinical decision-making within the Oncology space. Operating within the Haematology R&D division, TM is responsible for delivering innovative, strategic biomarker studies to support Haematology & Oncology project teams to make decisions. The TM team collaborates closely with preclinical bioscience and discovery, clinical development, and precision medicine & biosamples functions. TM provides robust, scientifically driven biomarkers for all Haematology projects covering leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This includes assay development, technical validation, and biomarker analysis for clinical samples. TM conducts translational research across early and late-phase clinical engagements, integrating advanced biomarker strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive translational science strategiesencompassing patient selection, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, and mechanism of resistance for preclinical therapies through Phase 3 clinical studies

• Deliver robust biomarker strategies and data for clinical studies based on best available science and technologies 

• Accountable for development and deploymentof fit for purpose translational assays both internallyandor externally 

• Measure target engagement, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and mechanism of actionreliably and quantifiably to inform clinical decisions.

• Explore mechanisms of resistance of therapies and deliver data to guide decision making

• Implement translational strategiesinto clinical studies, including sample collection protocols, laboratory manuals, clinical study protocols, and biomarker analyses in oncology and haematology studies.

• Analyze target expression, cancer pathway interactions, feedback mechanisms, and tumor microenvironment featuresin clinical samples to guide rational drug combination strategies across oncology and haematology programs.

• Contribute to and ensure qualityof Translational Medicine clinical study reports, data reviews and interpretations, presentations, scientific publications, and recommendations to development teams and management for strategic decision-making.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teamsincluding Oncology Research, Translational Medicine, clinical development, clinical operations, and product development teams to facilitateappropriate incorporation of translational medicine strategies for molecules in early phases of development.

• Influence translational strategyacross the AstraZeneca portfolio to maximize scientific impact and therapeutic outcomes.

• Lead and manage internal and external research collaborationsin areas of clinical technologies and oncology translational research to advance portfolio objectives.

Experience Required:

• PhD with experience in oncology drug development required.

• 2+ years of experience in drug development in pharmaceutical or biotech industries

• In-depth knowledge of Immunology, Haematology-Oncology disease area biology and translational science.

• Preferexpertise in myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma.

• Highly desired experience with cell therapy, T cell engagers, and antibody-drug conjugatesmodalities is preferred

• Proven communication, presentation and influencing skills.

• Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills.

• Ability to drive, manage, execute and deliver results for complex multi-functional projects.

• Highly developed collaborative working skills.

• Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organizations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.

• Proven ability to motivate and develop others.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $134,578.00 to $201,868.00. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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 (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). 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 pay (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.