Executive Director – Global Product Lead - Immunology Research and Development

Are you a visionary expert in clinical drug development, possessing the capabilities to drive a successful strategy in accelerating the development of cellular therapies for patients with immune-mediated diseases? Are you dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of immune-mediated diseases and creating a significant impact on patients' lives? Do you have a strong passion for science and substantial clinical development experience in Immunology? Do you possess both strategic and operational leadership skills? If so, we invite you to join us! We are currently seeking a Global Product Lead, Immunology Research and Development (iRED) to be based in the US.

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. We are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

Immunology Research and Development (iRED)

At AstraZeneca iRED, we do Immunology differently.  We develop life changing medicines by combining deep patient insight with cutting edge modalities, focusing on the most challenging diseases and underserved populations, to accelerate our path to be a top Immunology company in the industry.  It’s our big vision that unites and inspires us.  In iRED, our portfolio of immunology programs includes clinical stage and pre-clinical candidates across rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and other indications.  AstraZeneca iRED is a place built on courage, curiosity, and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes.

What You’ll Do:

The Global Product Lead (GPL) will be accountable for the asset strategy of multiple early stage Immunology programs.  The GPL will provide strategic leadership to the cross-functional Global Product Team to execute and deliver the pre-clinical and clinical development plan, aligned to the Life Cycle Management plan developed by the GPT.  At AstraZeneca, the GPL holds an exceptionally critical and exciting role, with impact across the organization and visibility to executive management. 

The Global Product Lead will report to the Global Franchise Head, Saphnelo and Early Projects Leadership and be responsible for:

• Crafting the overall asset strategy that will enable achievement of early stage clinical milestones, progressive discharge of technical and regulatory risk, and ultimately a differentiated and value-generating profile at time of approval. 
• Defining the range of Life Cycle Management investment options and recommending investment decisions to improve the value of the product to the business
• Developing and progressing the product Target Product Profile (TPP)
• Defining and crafting the product business case and development plan that would deliver the profile defined in the TPP
• Executing clinical trials to governance-agreed timelines and budget, while working with the team and functional management as required to resolve issues
• Shaping the molecule’s integrated strategic science story through the product lifecycle
• Persuasively delivering recommendations and proposals to executive management
• Ensuring role modelling for internal partners and KEE engagement in strategy development and scientific exchange
• Ensuring effective and transparent risk, opportunity and issue management at strategic, tactical and operational levels
• Leading performance with cross-functional team. Building and effectively leading robust cross-functional teams

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Masters, Ph.D, or MD with 10 plus years of Pharma proven experience
• Experience in early stage drug development and knowledge of all stages of the drug development process, coupled with regulatory and commercial insights
• Performance/results driven mindset with proven track record of delivering high risk projects in a complex environment
• Ability to influence both executive level internal and globally renowned external stakeholders
• Ability to set program level vision and motivate / inspire GPT and functional teams
• Comfort with assessing multiple (sometimes conflicting) arguments and ability to frame clear messages to simplify decision making
• Fully conversant with basic and translational science to inform product differentiation and strategy
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language
• Adaptive problem solving and learning and ability to navigate complex organizations and system
• Proven skills and experience of managing and controlling large budgets
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally
• Entrepreneurial mindset and proven ability to learn new information rapidly and effectively

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Specific and relevant Immunology development expertise
• Experience in AstraZeneca’s other multiple therapeutic areas (Oncology, Cardiovascular / Renal / Metabolic, Rare Disease, Respiratory)
• Late stage clinical development or commercial experience

The annual base salary for this position ranges from USD 251,610.40 – 377,415.60 However, 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 (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). 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 salary (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. ​

Date Posted

30-Jun-2026

Closing Date

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.