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Head of Radio conjugate Discovery , Oncology

Location Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States Job ID R-222608 Date posted 30/04/2025

About AstraZeneca

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

Early Oncology is focused on attacking cancer from multiple angles through innovative modalities, realising the potential of combinations and building treatment regimens with depth, durability and precision. The Executive Director of Radioconjugates – within the new Oncology Targeted Delivery team – will be accountable for the generation of bioscience data packages to support our early-stage radioconjugates portfolio.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to lead the drug discovery efforts of Radioconjugate efforts in Oncology R&D. This pivotal role is instrumental in advancing our mission to deliver transformative cancer therapies and set new standards in oncology treatment. By leveraging the combined capabilities, you will ensure that our collaborative efforts maximize innovation and effectiveness in developing groundbreaking radioconjugate therapies

In this role you will report to SVP, Biologics Engineering & Oncology Targeted Discovery and lead a bioscience team department. You will be responsible for the discovery and preclinical development of the radioconjugate portfolio from target discovery/identification through to clinical candidate selection.

Key accountabilities include:

  • Providing strategic leadership and direction for the Radioconjugate Bioscience function and ensuring the needs and capabilities of the function are well understood and represented at the global leadership level.
  • Partnering with leadership teams from Oncology Targeted Discovery to articulate and execute the radioconjugate strategy
  • Aligning Radioconjugate strategies with AstraZeneca's broader oncology goals to ensure cohesive advancement of our therapeutic portfolio
  • Working closely with AstraZeneca R&D partner functions including Biologics Engineering, Discovery Sciences, Oncology Strategy to manage the composition, execution, focus and coordinated deliverables for the radioconjugate portfolio.
  • Driving portfolio prioritisation, staying abreast of the latest external developments and innovations and able to identify future strategic opportunities.
  • Evolving the capabilities and fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture, ensuring resources are used appropriately to satisfy current and anticipated needs of the organisation, and that the function drives performance and delivers business value.
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with colleagues across the discovery and clinical development value chain.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

  • PhD in a Biological science discipline with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, or a MD/PhD with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Including deep experience in leading novel oncology therapeutic discovery and advancement such as antibody drug conjugates or radioconjugates
  • Strategic Leadership in Matrix Environments with demonstrated ability to lead and influence in complex matrix organizations, with a preference for experience working across both large multinational corporations and smaller entities.
  • 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 c-suite / board communication skills – ability to convey scientifically complex data and concepts in a simple, straightforward manner
  • Significant experience in functional strategy in a multi-national environment
  • 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

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $271,989.60 -

$407,984.40 USD. However, 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) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly 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 salary (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. ​

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

10001075 H SCBO R&D Oncology

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Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value inclusion and diversity.