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AstraZeneca

Global pharmaceutical company developing prescription medicines

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

AstraZeneca

Global pharmaceutical company developing prescription medicines

AstraZeneca develops and markets prescription medicines and vaccines worldwide, with a focus on oncology, cardiovascular/metabolic, respiratory, and infectious diseases. Its products work by targeting specific biological pathways or cells, using small-molecule therapies, biologics, and vaccines to treat diseases or prevent infections. It differentiates itself through its dual heritage from Sweden and the UK, a broad pipeline, and strong R&D and collaborations that move from discovery to patient access. Its goal is to improve people’s health by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines and vaccines to patients worldwide.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Founded
1913

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