Executive Director, NextGen Sciences

Position Summary:

AstraZeneca is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Executive Director, NextGen Sciences, within the EvGen2Pubs team, reporting to the Vice President EvGen2Pubs. The EvGen2Pubs team resides in the Global Medical Affairs Oncology organization and includes 5 functions that are responsible for generating and communicating high impact evidence in a timely manner: Evidence Delivery, Oncology Outcomes Research, Center of Oncology Data Excellence, NextGen Sciences and Publications. 

This role is responsible for driving innovation in research design, data strategy, and evidence generation—integrating and providing oversight across the functions of Innovative Research Methods, Global Data Assets eg APOLLO, and NGS field trial delivery. The Executive Director will ensure unparalleled standards in methodological rigor and execution while advancing the next generation of research that informs publications and global medical strategies.

Working at the cutting edge of scientific and operational excellence, the Executive Director will collaborate with senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams across EvGen2Pubs and the broader organization. This includes shaping and delivering a cohesive vision for next-generation evidence, real-world data utilization, and transformative research models while championing a culture that values both bold innovation and accountability for results.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

The Executive Director will manage and lead the NextGen Sciences team that drives key initiatives to ensure that we are at the forefront of the next generation of evidence generation, developing and seeing through multiple strategic workstreams and plans across Innovative Research Methods, global data assets (incl APOLLO), and the NGS field team. They will guide the development of global real world data assets, test initiatives and build playbooks to assess innovative methods for clinical trials and global real world data assets.  In addition they will translate innovative strategies into actionable, high-impact solutions that improve evidence generation cycle times and efficiency. The Executive Director will partner with other functions in the EvGen2Pubs team to embed the NextGen EvGen mindset in the larger medical organization.

Program Integration and Cross-functional Alignment

The role is responsible for fostering close alignment and partnership with internal EvGen2Pubs stakeholders and cross-functional colleagues in Global Medical Affairs, R&D, Oncology, Regulatory, Data Science, Compliance, and IT. The Executive Director will ensure that NextGen Sciences programs and methodologies are embedded in the broader EvGen2Pubs organization and that learnings and capabilities are shared effectively across teams.

Research and Data Strategy Expertise

Leveraging deep expertise in clinical trials (traditional and NextGen designs), real-world evidence (RWE), and data-driven research, the Executive Director provides scientific guidance and mentorship to teams developing adaptive, pragmatic, and decentralized trial models. The role oversees evidence and data strategy across clinical trials and RWE studies, with a focus on integrating a spectrum of data sources—including large-scale global data assets, digital health data, and global patient registries.

Innovative Methods and Best Practices

The Executive Director will champion the adoption and rigorous application of innovative research methodologies and advanced technologies—such as AI/ML, NLP, federated data environments, and enhanced data curation techniques. They will set standards for governance, ethical use, compliance (e.g. GDPR, HIPAA), and high-quality execution—ensuring fidelity, reproducibility, and regulatory acceptance of research outputs.

Delivery Excellence and Impact

Balancing innovation with execution excellence, the Executive Director drives timely achievement of milestones across the Next Gen Sciences portfolio, with robust performance management and risk mitigation. They will be accountable for the continued development and refresh of global data assets, successful delivery of adaptive research projects, and measurable impact on medical evidence and publication outcomes.

Talent Leadership and Development

This senior leader will build, inspire, and mentor high-performing, cross-functional teams, cultivating a culture that embodies strategic agility, thought leadership, and continuous improvement.

Impact Expectations

The Executive Director, NextGen Sciences, is a recognized change agent and scientific thought leader. They will be expected to:

Shape and deliver a cohesive strategy for the NextGen Sciences team.

Transform the standard of evidence generation and publications for AstraZeneca, unlocking the power of integrated, high-fidelity data and innovative research designs.

Deliver next-generation research solutions that inform and accelerate AstraZeneca’s mission to improve patient outcomes globally

Translate strategy into actionable, high-impact programs that address evolving scientific, clinical, and business needs by developing and implementing strategic workstreams and plans across Innovative Research Methods, purpose built global data assets, and the NGS field team to ensure AstraZeneca remains at the forefront of next-generation evidence generation.

Champion the adoption and rigorous application of innovative research methodologies and advanced technologies—such as AI/ML, NLP, federated data environments, and enhanced data curation techniques. Set standards for governance, ethical use, and compliance.

Embed NextGen Sciences programs and methodologies into the broader EvGen2Pubs and GMA strategy and ensure that learnings and capabilities are shared effectively across teams.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Advanced degree in a relevant quantitative, biological, or health science discipline (PhD, MD, MS or equivalent).

Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ experience leading multi-year, high-complexity research and evidence generation programs, preferably within large pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare organizations. Experience in navigating complex, matrixed environments is essential.

Deep knowledge of clinical research, RWE generation, data integration, and regulatory standards for de-identified data.

Demonstrated track record in integrating innovative methodologies and delivering next-generation trial or data strategies to drive evidence generation and publication value.

Experience guiding teams that leverage cutting-edge technologies and novel research solutions (e.g. AI/ML, digital trials, federated data).

Advanced skills in team leadership, matrix management, organizational change, and cross-functional program delivery.

Proven excellence in vendor and partnership oversight, contract management, and working with multisector external collaborators.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $283 386 - $425 079. 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.

Date Posted

02-jul.-2025

Closing Date

15-jul.-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.