Associate Director, Precision Medicine Oncology

The Role:

Are you excited about Precision Medicine? Would you like have an impact on patients’ lives and contribute to eliminate cancer as a cause of death? If so, then join us!

We’re investing like never before in our people, in growth, and in new diagnostic techniques and technologies. There are opportunities at every turn, with a variety and breadth that is uncommon to find and an industry-leading pipeline in oncology. Scientists at AstraZeneca are working every day to turn science fiction into science fact. Our ambition - to develop innovative, targeted medicines for every patient that needs them - and to match those treatments to patients most likely to benefit from them – is now a reality. This approach, known as Precision Medicine, is based on those individual characteristics that make some patients respond to treatment better than others. We use this knowledge to develop diagnostic tests that doctors can use to help prescribe the best treatment for each patient. Indeed, it’s now become common practice for patients with cancer to be offered such diagnostic tests before their treatment plan is agreed.

The AstraZeneca Precision Medicine Oncology team within the Precision Medicine and Biosamples function drives scientific leadership through the delivery of innovative companion diagnostics approaches enabling our oncology ambition to transform the lives of patients living with cancer, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. 

We do this by:

• Leading the development of diagnostics across AstraZeneca’s early and late-stage oncology portfolios through close collaborations with our external diagnostic partners.

• Leading the development and implementation of patient selection strategies to deliver companion diagnostics programs in support of our business priorities.

• Leading companion diagnostic regulatory interactions to secure companion diagnostic approvals in major markets

• Collaborate across AstraZeneca with colleagues in multiple partner functions to help drive market uptake.

• Developing strategies for early cancer detection, near patient testing and implementing testing options for minimal residual disease and early treatment interventions. 

• Utilising artificial intelligence diagnostic solutions and seeing software as a medical device.

• Developing specific disease area strategies (e.g. lung cancer, breast cancer or haematological malignancies) and new diagnostic modalities.

• Collaborating closely with fellow pharma companies on joint assets.

Join this fantastic, collaborative team and be part of our success; we have already delivered over 60 innovative and impactful companion (or complementary) oncology diagnostic approvals across the major markets of the US, EU, Japan and China since 2014, and we need you to help us take the next steps in patient-centric diagnostic development.

If this sounds like the type of organisation where you would like to grow your career and make a real difference to patients, then we would like to hear from you.

Typical Accountabilities, what you will be doing:

As an Associate Director you’ll be a member of the Precision Medicine Oncology team. Your objective will be to ensure that innovative companion diagnostic tests are delivered to our oncology drug projects. This will entail developing and implementing the diagnostic strategy agreed by the respective development teams, and planning and executing Precision Medicine activities from a technical, financial, risk, regulatory, IP and partnering perspective. You will work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels in the Precision Medicine and Biosamples function to deliver this expertise to drug project teams.

Providing expert advice on strategic and innovative Precision Medicine approaches and companion diagnostic developments to cross-functional teams, you’ll be instrumental in ensuring that we adopt world-class practice in the field.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject.

• 3 years of experience in companion diagnostic tests in clinical development OR experience of Precision Medicine approaches and diagnostic development.

• Effective communication, stakeholder, influencing skills and programme management.

• Understanding of the functions involved in companion diagnostic development and how they contribute.

Desirable :

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant subject.

• 5 years of experience in similar role in different companies or academia.

• Delivery of clinical testing, diagnostic, regulatory preparation.

• Scientific expertise in the Precision Medicine field or relevant therapeutic area as evidenced by publications.

If this sounds like the type of organisation where you would like to grow your career and make a real difference to patients, then we would like to hear from you; apply today!

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.