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Senior Global Medical Affairs Leader - Diagnostics, Breast

Location Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States Job ID R-241987 Date posted 29/01/2026

Position: Senior Global Medical Affairs Leader - Diagnostics, Breast

Location: Gaithersburg, US

GCL: G

Do you have expertise in, and interest in for leading Medical Affairs teams in Oncology? Apply your experience to changing the way cancer is treated in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines. Help to advance our pipeline by applying expertise and accelerating our pathway to finding a cure.

A dedicated Oncology unit, this is the place to build a world-class career. AstraZeneca’s vision in Oncology is to help patients by redefining the cancer-treatment paradigm with the bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We are proud to work on ground breaking science with one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the business.

We are seeking a Senior Global Medical Affairs Leader, Diagnostics, Breast (GMAL) to join us in our greater DC Metro area in Gaithersburg MD! Reporting directly to the Global Medical Diagnostics Group Lead, this position will play a key role, working to define and deliver medical strategies across a tumor area and will work collaboratively with Global Medical, Commercial Diagnostics, & Precision Medicine colleagues as well as local markets on cross Tumor asset strategies.

Partnering directly with the tumour area Vice President and their leadership teams you will bring in depth medical and diagnostic expertise to ensure shape single and multi-indications strategies & plans to deliver world class leading medical and diagnostic insights to bring to our patients world class medicines

What You'll Do:

  • Lead global medical diagnostic strategy: Ensure timely, high-quality input into global medical and lifecycle plans to deliver in-market companion diagnostics and testing solutions demands that enable optimal treatment selection and patient access to the right therapies.
  • Build strategic partnerships: Develop long-term, trust-based relationships with key external oncology stakeholders—advocacy groups, scientific organizations, thought leaders, and HTA/payer bodies—to shape best-in-class diagnostic capabilities aligned to our portfolio’s medical needs.
  • Drive diagnostics Medical Affairs: Provide leadership across all diagnostics-related Medical Affairs activities in collaboration with Tumor/Asset medical leaders, including scientific advisory boards, publications planning, evidence generation, diagnostic plan integration, and externally sponsored research and collaborations.
  • Elevate evidence and confidence: Lead diagnostic confidence-generation initiatives—symposia, summits, and internal/external education—to accelerate understanding and adoption of testing strategies.
  • Integrate across assets: Embed diagnostic strategies within Tumor/Asset medical plans and contribute diagnostics insights that inform the development and execution of broader Tumor/Asset strategies.
  • Shape AZ medical leadership: Contribute to enterprise-level strategic planning to strengthen AstraZeneca’s leadership in medical diagnostics.
  • Champion compliance: Ensure all medical and business activities meet AstraZeneca standards, SOPs, and external regulations.

Key activity areas (how you’ll deliver)

  • Confidence generation: symposia, summits, internal and external education
  • Clinical and scientific advisory boards
  • Medical evidence generation strategy and execution
  • Integration of diagnostic plans into tumor/asset medical plans
  • Diagnostic publications integrated into tumor/asset publication plans
  • Input to global externally sponsored research and collaborations

Essential Experience and Qualifications:

  • 6+ years in pharmaceutical or life sciences sector with Medical Affairs responsibility across strategy and execution
  • Advanced scientific degree preferred (MD, PhD, PharmD) or equivalent medical/scientific qualifications with significant industry and/or therapeutic area experience.
  • Proven diagnostics expertise, including broad assay knowledge and deployment, including ctDNA/LBx clinical utility
  • Strong understanding of drug commercialization, including diagnostic test selection, outcomes research and payer/access.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and provide strategic direction in a complex matrix environment.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management with strong situational influencing skills.
  • Skilled at strategic influence and tactful persuasion to achieve outcomes while maintaining positive relationships.
  • Experience developing strategy and translating it into clear, actionable plans.
  • Ability to generate, analyze, and interpret clinical trial and published data.
  • Track record of building and executing Medical Plans, including evidence generation, scientific communications, and external expert engagement.
  • Ability to manage multiple products/projects simultaneously, delivering on time, on target, and within budget.
  • Demonstrated global project management experience across regions.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills; able to translate data into compelling scientific narratives for diverse audiences.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

  • Oncology experience is preferred
  • Diverse market knowledge and network
  • Expertise in product launches

Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table?

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 follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $247,786 - $371,679. 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. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan; paid vacation and holidays; paid leave; 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

30-Jan-2026

Closing Date

08-Feb-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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