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Medical Lead (Oncology & Haematology)

Location Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Job ID R-237609 Date posted 20/10/2025

Do you have expertise in, and passion for science working in Oncology and Haematology creating value for our customers and patients?  If so, AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. Our strategic priorities reflect how we are working to deliver our strategy and achieve our Purpose. As a workforce, we are the catalyst for our values: we are entrepreneurial; we do the right thing; we play to win; we put patients first and we follow the science. As a company we appreciate and take great pride in each team member where every person is brought together through shared values, that underpins a shared purpose. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energised.
At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in international markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

ABOUT THE MEDICAL AFFAIRS TEAM

You will join a high performing medical team who combine medical expertise with commercial acumen. Problem-solving is second nature, and with an agile enterprise mindset, the team proactively takes accountability and moves out of comfort zones to achieve the best results.

What you will Do

Acts as catalysts, with a deep understanding of the health system (environment, priorities, clinical pathways, patient journeys) and its challenges, to gather insights and execute according to the medical strategic plans to deliver strategic, scalable & sustainable clinical practice transformations, enhancing access to equitable quality care for patients and enabling the adoption of our innovative medicines.

Developing and enhancing professional relationships and partnerships with healthcare professionals and other healthcare ecosystem stakeholders according to the Integrated Engagement Plan. Provides scientific, technical, and pharmaco-economic information to HCPs and key stakeholders through one-on-one discussions and medically lead meetings as experts and confidence generation activities. Can be involved and may lead evidence generation activities as part of the implementation of the medical strategy.

Job Description 

Field based scientific experts in oncology that is responsible in the execution of the Medical Affairs Plan(s) for pre-launch and/or newly launched products/indications. Shapes clinical practice through scientific engagements, partnerships and collaborations with traditional (e.g Specialist KEEs/KOLs, Experts & Primary Care Physicians), and where appropriate non-traditional (e.g. policy and decision makers, PAGs, government, innovative solution providers) experts, as well as, with internal stakeholders to drive enhanced patient outcomes and the safe and effective use of AstraZeneca medicines.

Typical Accountabilities

Scientific Expertise:

  • Maintain clinical/scientific expertise in disease state management, AstraZeneca products, emerging therapies, and the competitive landscape.

  • Contribute to the development and provide project leadership/ management of the therapeutic area Field Medical Strategic Plan (FMSP).

  • Act as a subject matter expert/resource for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Work with internal stakeholders in the development and delivery of appropriate training and mentoring needs within therapeutic area.

Scientific Exchange:

  • Engage in peer-to-peer level dialogue with key customers and deliver appropriate clinical/scientific content through utilising the correct channel mix, which will differentiate AstraZeneca products from those of other companies.

  • Respond to unsolicited customer inquiries and provide focused and balanced clinical / scientific information that supports the safe and appropriate use of AstraZeneca’s products and services.

  • Provide scientific/clinical support and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

  • Identify and establish relationships with key customers and other scientific thought leaders for engaging them in ongoing scientific dialogue on AstraZeneca products and unsolicited discussions about compounds in development.

  • Organize and facilitate scientific events such as Medical events, Symposiums, Scientific Exchanges, Advisory Boards/Expert Panels, non-promotional standalone events, Meet the Professor sessions, etc., with KEEs and HCPs. Prioritize these events based on their relevance in the patient journey for the related disease.

  • Deliver informative lectures at scientific events tailored to healthcare professionals, aligning with the field medical communication strategy.

  • Collaborate with KEEs on study proposals (ESR or Local Study) and/or publications of interest to AstraZeneca.

Customer Insight:

  • Effectively identify, gather, analyse, synthesise, report and forward relevant new knowledge about the external scientific/medical environments to internal stakeholders

  • Provide internal stakeholders with actionable items related to medical / product strategy or clinical development based on customer perspectives.

  • Partner with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to identify gaps in the patient experience journey as insights to be included in the medical / product strategies.

Strategic Relationship:

  • Develop peer-level relationships with medical and scientific experts, including Healthcare Professionals and collaborate with other internal teams for other key external stakeholders (e.g. policy and decision makers, PAGs, government, innovative solution providers) consistent with Medical objectives.

  • Identify pre-clinical, clinical, and post-marketing study investigators in alignment with Medical Plans.

  • Support data generation activities including participating in reviews of Investigator sponsored studies.

  • Looks to broaden the My MA contact list where appropriate to include non-traditional KEEs from government, payer groups, researchers and clinical advisors who may support practice change initiatives.

  • Establish win-win partnerships with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to deliver on strategic, scalable and sustainable solutions addressing patient healthcare access gaps within the ecosystem.

If this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills we’re looking for…

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • Must be a Qualified Medical Doctor or completed / MSc/PhD in a scientific discipline 

  • Must have minimum 3- 5 years in a medical affairs role

  • Proven Medical/Scientific knowledge and experience in the responsible disease area

  • Interest in a long-term career in the pharmaceutical industry

  • MSc/PhD  in a scientific discipline would be advantageous

  • Understanding of multiple aspects within Medical Affairs

  • Project management experience

  • Excellent presentation and communication skills

  • Ability to travel

  • Fluency in English is required

Why AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca recognized as Top Employer | South Africa, Kenya & Nigeria 2025. Best Place to Work in Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana & Ethiopia 2024 – 2025.

Furthermore, we are proud to have achieved the impressive feat of ranking second place in the Best Places to Work for the second consecutive year running in Africa. This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in International markets. There’s no better place to feel inspired and energized.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Click the link to apply no later than 24 October 2025 and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Close Date: 24/10/2025

Date Posted

21-Oct-2025

Closing Date

24-Oct-2025

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.

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