A

Alexion

Global biopharmaceuticals focusing on rare diseases

Vice President - Head of Translational Science and Medicine

Biology & BiotechPosted on Nov 11
Full-timeBoston, MA, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • An M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent in a relevant scientific or medical discipline is required.
  • Significant leadership experience in translational medicine, translational science, drug discovery, and development, typically 15 or more years, is required.
  • Demonstrated success leading large cross-functional and matrixed teams in a complex organizational environment is required.
  • A deep understanding of how translational strategy supports program progression, scientific differentiation, and portfolio decision-making is required.
  • Experience connecting discovery, translational research, and development to support therapeutic advancement is required.
  • A strong scientific background in disease biology, biomarkers, diagnostics, and translational approaches across multiple therapeutic areas is required.
  • Experience contributing to regulatory interactions, scientific documentation, and evidence-generation strategy is required.
  • Fluency in the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance and accelerate drug development is required.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for the combined Translational Medicine and Translational Science organizations, including oversight of translational medicine leads, translational research teams, and related scientific capabilities across the portfolio.
  • Develop and execute translational strategies that support target and indication prioritization, evidence generation, biomarker development, and scientific and clinical differentiation across programs.
  • Create scientific and data narratives that support asset progression and strengthen program positioning in the competitive landscape, including providing bioanalytics and diagnostics support and development.
  • Build a more connected and agile translational organization, strengthen integration across research and development, and ensure translational activities are initiated and executed at appropriate pipeline stages.
  • Lead the Translational Sciences Center of Excellence, oversee and prioritize ongoing and future translational initiatives, and continuously improve platforms, processes, and scientific capabilities to enhance quality, speed, and impact.
  • Support portfolio strategy, including indication selection, human target validation, and evaluation of external innovation through business development, partnerships, and scientific collaborations.
  • Work with Research and Development, Business Development, Competitive Intelligence, and other cross-functional partners to align translational strategy with corporate and portfolio priorities.
  • Participate in leadership and portfolio committees and contribute scientific insight and strategic perspective to research prioritization and pipeline discussions.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in rare disease drug development is preferred.
  • A track record of productivity demonstrated by publications, patents, and regulatory filings is preferred.
  • Experience supporting business development, scientific diligence, portfolio evaluation, or external collaborations is preferred.
  • Experience building or scaling translational capabilities, platforms, or centers of excellence within a research and development organization is preferred.
  • A strong network among external stakeholders is preferred.

About the Company

Alexion

Global biopharmaceuticals focusing on rare diseases

Alexion, now the rare disease group within AstraZeneca, develops and sells therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases by targeting the complement immune system. Its drugs, such as Soliris and Ultomiris, inhibit the C5 component to slow or stop disease processes, while Strensiq and Kanuma address specific metabolic disorders. It differentiates itself through a deep focus on complement biology, pursuing first- or best-in-class therapies, and using a strategy that blends internal R&D with acquisitions to expand its pipeline. Its goal is to improve outcomes for patients with rare diseases and bring these therapies to a broader international market using AstraZeneca’s scale and capabilities.

Company size
5,001-10,000
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Boston, MA
Founded
1992

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Alexion

See more jobs