Associate Director, Translational Medicine Lead, Cell Therapies, Oncology R&D

Location: Boston, MA, or Gaithersburg, MD

Do you feel passionate about the possibilities of great science changing lives of cancer patients? Do you have a background in oncology and/or translational research and an interest in working with Cell Therapies or immune bispecifics as part of an exciting portfolio? If so, this may be the role for you. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Associate Director to join our team of translational medicine leads supporting our exciting internal Cell Therapy programs.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Within AstraZeneca Oncology R&D, we are committed to advancing the science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

The Translational Medicine function exists within AstraZeneca R&D to ensure effective and strategic biomarker studies for Oncology project teams. Closely interacting with the pre-clinical Discovery, Early Clinical Development, and Precision Medicine & Biosamples diagnostics functions, the Translational Medicine team is the single point of accountability for delivery of robust, scientifically-driven biomarkers to all project teams, providing feasibility assessments, technical validation, centralized biomarker analysis capability for clinical samples, delivery of translational science research and early clinical phase engagement.

What you’ll do

We are seeking an Associate Director in Oncology Translational Medicine to develop biomarker strategies and ensuring delivery within our internal Cell Therapy oncology project portfolio teams.

Working in partnership with the Translational Medicine team, lead the implementation of strategic vision that enables indication selection, early indication of biological activity and patient stratification/selection in Oncology

Responsibilities

• Delivering translational science strategy for pre-clinical therapies through Ph 2 clinical studies based on the best available science and technologies.
• Generating disease linkage data to guide indication selection and targeted patient populations.
• Measuring target engagement, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and mechanism of action to reliably and quantifiably to advise clinical decisions for selecting therapeutically relevant doses and schedules.
• Understanding key cancer pathway interactions, feedback mechanisms, and features of tumor microenvironment in clinical samples to guide rational drug combinations.
• Defining novel mechanisms of resistance targeted therapies by studying tumors at relapse.
• Influencing translational strategy across the AZ portfolio.
• Collaborating with Oncology Research, Translational Medicine and product development teams to facilitate appropriate incorporation of Translational Medicine strategies for molecules in early phases of development in Oncology.
• Collaborating with clinical operations and clinical teams to define sample collection, lab manuals and clinical study protocols, and biomarker analyses in clinical studies related to oncology.
• Contributing to and ensuring the quality of Translational Medicine clinical study reports, data reviews and interpretations, presentations, scientific publications and recommendations to development teams and management for GNG decisions.
• Leading internal and external research collaborations in areas of clinical technologies and oncology translational research.

Essential for the role

• PhD and/or MD with experience in drug development.
• A minimum of 5 years’ of relevant experience
• In-depth knowledge of immunology, oncology, and translational science.
• Ability to drive, manage, execute and deliver results for complex multi-functional projects.
• Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills, and attention to detail.
• Highly developed collaborative working skills.
• Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organizations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop others.

Desirable for the role

• Expertise in Cell Therapy; T cell engaging bispecifics, or other immuno-oncology

Why AstraZeneca?

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. Naturally curious, we are forever connecting and collaborating. Uncovering new insights that equip us to challenge convention and push the boundaries. We are a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Committed to living our values – they guide our behaviours, actions and decisions, everyday. With our ground-breaking pipeline comes a bright future – exciting opportunities and varied work. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

Closing Date: October 12, 2022

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

Where can I find out more?

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

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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 align with all applicable laws and regulations on inclusivity in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.