Associate Director Bioscience

Are you passionate about shaping the future of drug discovery?

Associate Director Bioscience 
Oss, The Netherlands
Fulltime (on-site presence)

Do you have a passion for science, leadership, and making a difference in patients’ lives? At Acerta Pharma (European R&D centre of AstraZeneca in Oss), we are committed to pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. We are currently seeking an exceptional and motivated Associate Director Bioscience as a lead biologist in discovery with strong leadership, management, and drug discovery expertise to join our team.

What you’ll do
As an Associate Director Bioscience, you will play a pivotal role in leading a team of talented in vitro bioscientists dedicated to small molecule drug discovery within hematology R&D. Acting as the lead biologist for discovery and potentially development-phase programs, you will provide strategic and scientific direction while collaborating across various disciplines and teams both in Oss and at Global AstraZeneca sites to deliver innovative solutions that drive our portfolio of small molecules forward.

Key responsibilities
•    Lead and manage a team of in vitro (Senior) Scientists (4+FTE), providing mentorship, guidance, and development opportunities to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive environment.
•    Serve as lead biologist for discovery and potentially development-phase programs responsible for developing preclinical plans and data delivery.
•    Oversee the design, execution, and interpretation of biochemical and cellular experiments to advance drug discovery projects in close collaboration with other departments (e.g. medicinal chemistry).
•    Contribute to the development of the bioscience strategy within the haemato-oncology therapeutic area.
•    As key scientific leader, you will be working cross-functionally with chemists, translational sciences, and clinical teams to ensure alignment and delivery of project objectives.
•    Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate cutting-edge science and technologies into AstraZeneca’s research pipeline.
•    Communicate project progress and scientific findings effectively to internal stakeholders, senior and global leadership teams. 

Essential skills & experience
•    A PhD in molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or related bioscience discipline or equivalent experience with no PhD. 
•    Proven experience and track record in (haemato)-oncology.
•    A minimum of 5 years of industry experience with a proven track record of target validation and small molecule drug discovery.
•    At least 5 years’ experience in leading and managing teams, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and develop others.
•    Deep understanding of pharmaceutical drug discovery processes from early research through to clinical candidate selection.
•    Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
•    Evidence of scientific innovation and thought leadership, supported by a strong publication or patent record.

Important notice before applying
Thank you for your interest in joining Acerta Pharma. We greatly value your time and effort throughout the application process. To ensure an efficient and transparent selection process, we kindly ask that you carefully review the required qualifications for this position.

Only candidates who meet all the essential requirements will be considered.
If you do not meet the criteria, we kindly request that you refrain from applying at this time. This helps streamline the process for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

What we offer
•    A dynamic, innovative, and international working environment. You are part of the development process of new drugs that can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones. In addition:
•    The opportunity to further develop yourself, for example, into a position offering even more responsibility. International growth (within AstraZeneca) is also one of the possibilities.
•    Comprehensive primary and secondary benefit packages, including an 8% holiday allowance, 13th month, 27 vacation days (on full-time basis), and additional time off on your birthday and during office closures over Christmas and New Year, Good Friday, and the Friday after Ascension Day.
•    Collective pension with a fixed percentage personal contribution.
•    Bonus scheme. 
•    Personal flexible budget which you can use for health, vitality, home office equipment, sustainability, or personal development. 
•    Access to internal training and learning and development offerings. 

For expat candidates we offer
•    a relocation package (including support for the application to the tax authorities for the 30% tax ruling).
•    an expat program, including a Dutch language course and the opportunity to learn more about the Dutch culture.

Important
When applying, please clearly state your industry and oncology experience, as well as your experience managing teams and working with small molecules. Please include a list with your publications.

Acerta Pharma 
At our international headquarters in Oss, the Netherlands, we are working to develop new treatment options for patients with specific types of blood cancer. Together with our colleagues of AstraZeneca in US, Canada, and UK we are committed to innovative drug discovery and development, especially in the field of haemato-oncology.
Acerta has received approval from both the US (FDA) and the European Regulator (EMA) for its small molecule BTK inhibitor for treatment of patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). In addition, AstraZeneca and Acerta Pharma are collaborating on many other innovative medicines to treat haematological malignant diseases.

Apply:
If you have any questions about this vacancy, our Recruitment Team, Karin Raadschelders / Caroline van Oppen are happy to inform you.  info@werkenbijacertapharma.nl or by phone on +31(0)85 - 047 0244.

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.