Medical Director

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

The Medical Director will be focused on Kidney Disease and related conditions that impact kidney function. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of early clinical and translational research within CVRM. In a multidisciplinary environment, you will play a key role in progressing a rich and diverse pipeline of both small and large molecules in numerous active clinical programs.  

Who We Are 

In the Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) Translational Medicine & Clinical Development (TSCD) department, we are investigating the underlying factors contributing to CVRM disease progression using advanced scientific methodologies and data-driven drug discovery. In this context, we are evaluating a wide range of different drug modalities from our rich CVRM portfolio of compounds across kidney disease patient populations. 

TSCD is where science meets clinical drug development with a focus upon delivering innovative, early phase clinical studies and accelerating human target validation while collaborating closely with our late phase clinical development and regulatory colleagues who guide our pivotal phase 3 clinical studies. 

What You Will Do 

You will be responsible for managing and leading to early phase I-II global clinical trials and related clinical research projects for compounds that are targeting kidney disease, as well as serving as an expert on the design, conduct, monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting of these studies. Additionally, you will work on cross-functional teams within our TSCD group and across the broader global CVRM organization that are framing our strategies and development plans for compounds that are targeting cardiovascular diseases such as Heart Failure, as well as major metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, given that these disorders intersect with chronic kidney disease and influence disease progression.   

Responsibilities include: 

•  Lead early Phase I–II global trials in kidney disease: clinical strategy, protocol design, study conduct, monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting, ensuring scientific integrity, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. 

• Provide clinical leadership to cross-functional teams; integrate preclinical insights (target selection, pharmacology, in vivo/in vitro data) into early clinical plans and seamless transitions to late phase development. 

• Contribute to regulatory interactions and documentation (e.g., CTAs, INDs, safety updates, annual reports). 

• Advance the development and validation of nonclinical and surrogate endpoints (including imaging and biomarkers). 

• Represent TSCD internally and externally through presentations, publications, and scientific forums; engage with external experts and translate insights into strategy and study design. 

• Help evolve trial operations and site engagement to improve speed, quality, and inclusivity in early studies. 

• Collaborate across CVRM on programs in heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, given their intersection with kidney disease. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• MD, MBBS or MD/PhD with clinical or research expertise in the treatment of kidney diseases. 

• 2 + years of experience in clinical research in academia and/or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. 

• Experience designing, executing, monitoring, interpreting, and overseeing safety in early clinical and translational trials preferred. 

• Strong command of biomarkers, surrogate endpoints, and biostatistics, supported by a robust publication record. 

• Well developed interpersonal skills, effective teamwork, and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively across functions, geographies, and disciplines. 

Why AstraZeneca? 

Here, we need leadership at every level – Physicians who not only have clinical and scientific expertise, but also the ability to build a case, engage multiple partners, and communicate effectively with different audiences. With that kind of remit comes great responsibility. We truly believe that everyone contributes with an outstanding set of competence. Your curiosity and passion for personal development combined with support from colleagues, mentors and leaders, will ensure you maximize your skills, abilities and contribution.

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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $249,827.20 - $374,740.80 USD Annual 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. 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.

Are you ready to be part of a talented, cross-functional team working together to improve lives and make the biggest possible impact for patients, science and society?

Apply now!

Date Posted

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Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.