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Director of Cell Therapy Portfolio and Project Management, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences

Location Santa Monica, California, United States Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States Job ID R-227465 Date posted 22/05/2025

Job Title: Director of Cell Therapy Portfolio and Project Management, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences

Introduction to role

Explore and innovate in our dynamic environment

Be encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment. Here, we are free to ask the right questions and make bold decisions. It takes resilience to embody our entrepreneurial spirit. For those who thrive on experimentation, you’ll get to work with knowns and unknowns — exploring without limits.

Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences (CPSS) is a scientific excellence function within AstraZeneca, with 750 people across India, UK, Sweden, US, and Spain, supporting the BioPharma and Oncology R&D organizations. Our focus includes clinical pharmacology, pharmacometrics, non-clinical safety, pathology, bioanalysis, and lab animal sciences. We partner with all therapy areas to support the AstraZeneca portfolio across discovery and development by harnessing data and technology to deliver safe, efficacious, and innovative medicines to patients.

Accountabilities

Working globally across different time zones, you will proactively partner with the CPSS Cell Therapy Department Leadership Team (CPSS CT LT) and its partnersto providebusiness planning &operationsmanagement, and portfolio & strategic insightsin the dynamic, energetic, and exciting area of cell therapy.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Serve as a PMO for the Cell Therapy portfolio within CPSS, tracking project timelines, risks, deliverables, and reporting status updates to leadership.

  • Act as a strategic and operational business partner to the CPSS Cell Therapy Leadership Team

  • Understand the broader AstraZeneca portfolio and translate Cell Therapy-specific needs into business planning and resourcing strategies.

  • Lead and drive strategic projects and initiatives, including organisational change and continuous improvement, with a Cell Therapy focus.

  • Oversee business performance for the Cell Therapy Unit, including scorecard development, metrics tracking, quarterly reviews, and budget management.

  • Liaise extensively across CPSS sub-departments and collaborate with R&D, Clinical, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations to ensure Cell Therapy priorities are appropriately resourced and supported.

  • Work closely with CPSS BPO, Finance Business Partners, and Business Analysts to support mid-range and long-range financial planning cycles for CPSS Cell TherapyDepartment.

  • Develop communication strategies and support Cell Therapy Departmentcommunications, including leadership updates and departmental all-hands meetings.

  • Ensure efficient and effective data management related to Cell Therapy portfolio within CPSS, including FTE tracking (active, vacancies) and resource forecasting.

  • Provide succinct, robust business information to CPSS CT LT and CPSS LT to support strategic decision-making for Cell Therapy programs.

  • Act as a thorough integrator who can manage ambiguity, track multiple priorities, and drive solutions that advance the Cell Therapy agenda.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Masterdegree in Life Sciences with a strong scientific background in Cell Therapy (required).

  • 2+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including considerable exposure to cell therapy programs.

  • 5+of leadership experience, leading teams or large projects.

  • Experience in portfolio management, business operations, and strategic project delivery.

  •  excellent project management, tracking, and reporting skills.

  • Strong ability to manage complex stakeholders, especially scientific and operational leadership within a matrix organization.

  • Understanding of resource planning and business performance tracking.

  • Excellent communication, influence, and interpersonal skills.

  • Independent problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in an ambiguous, energetic environment.

  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across geographies and cultures.

  • Comfort navigating changes, with a growth mindset.

Desirable Skills/Experience

  • MBA or advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or related fields.

  • Consulting experience in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare strategy preferred.

  • Experience working in cross-functional, multi-cultural, and global environments.

  • Strong track record of successful delivery in a large global organization 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by curiosity and courage to explore new scientific frontiers. Our commitment to making a difference fuels our passion for science as we fuse data and technology with innovative approaches. We are dedicated to treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. By joining us, you will be part of a team that uses diverse global knowledge to create swift impacts on disease. With opportunities for lifelong learning and career growth, AstraZeneca is where you can push boundaries and deliver life-changing medicines!

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now and be part of our journey to redefine what's possible in healthcare!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 151,476.00 - 227,214.00 USD Annual. 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.

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.

50056692 F PRBS R&D BioPharmaceuticals

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