Executive Director, Oncology Discovery Chemistry, Oncology Targeted Discovery
Executive Director, Oncology Discovery Chemistry, Oncology Targeted Discovery
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Job Description
Executive Director Oncology Discovery Chemistry Oncology Targeted DiscoveryWaltham Boston US
Oncology Research and Development (ORD) is a pivotal focus and growth platform at AstraZeneca. Our vision is to lead in the creation of a new generation of cancer therapies. We are committed to collaboration across all boundaries driving innovation that makes a meaningful impact on the world by solving complex challenges.
As part of our continuous growth we are investing in new capabilities and technologies to advance our industryleading portfolio. Central to this effort is Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD) a core discovery organization within ORD. OTD is key in developing transformational new medicines for clinical development covering Small Molecules Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Radioconjugates (RCs).
As we embark on the next phase of our journey with a bold ambition to deliver at least 20 new medicines to patients by 2030 OTD will play a crucial role. It will drive scientific innovation to deliver the next wave of oncology medicines helping to achieve our vision and improve patient outcomes globally.
Aligned to this ambition we have created a new opportunity for an Executive Director Oncology Discovery Chemistry based at our Waltham Massachusetts Site. This is a pivotal senior leadership position within our growing oncology discovery chemistry organization and will have a critical role delivering the next wave of transformational oncology medicines. Reporting to the Vice President Global Oncology Chemistry & DMPK you will have significant oversight of the discovery phase portfolio covering all synthetic modalities and approaches but with a clear emphasis on leading and delivering our targeting chemistry strategy including next generation Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC) and Radioconjugates (RCs). The role comes with significant portfolio responsibilities with accountability to execute and deliver our departmental scorecard objectives particularly as they relate to targeted tumor delivery. The position also comes with significant global line leadership responsibilities and as a senior leader within chemistry & DMPK you will have an important role in coaching and developing the global chemistry talent base. You will also be an integral part of the global chemistry & DMPK senior leadership team and will represent the department at the OTD portfolio committee and other governance meetings. A key element to the role will be to lead our targeted chemistry strategy and build a portfolio of next generation ADCs and RCs aligned to AstraZenecas aspiration to become a world leader in this key area of oncology drug discovery. In addition you will have an important role in helping to drive the strategic direction of the global department harnessing the next generation of synthetic approaches to solve target tractability challenges.
Key responsibilities
- Senior leader accountable for leading a global discovery chemistry organization focused on the delivery of the ADC and RC oncology portfolios
- Accountable for developing and executing the ADC and RC strategy including next generation linkerpayload combinations
- Provide insightful medicinal chemistry critique and portfolio oversight across the small molecule ADC and RC oncology portfolios
- Provide inspirational line leadership helping to coach and develop the next generation of drug hunters across the global chemistry and DMPK organization
- Member of the global chemistry & DMPK senior leadership team contributing to the operational management of the broader department (budgets hiring portfolio resourcing communications health & safety) as well as helping to shape our culture globally
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the department including establishing novel smallmolecule / synthetic platforms and applying these to future oncology projects
- Maintain a high degree of understanding and awareness of key internal and external developments relevant to the design and optimization of next generation targeted approaches (ADCs RC and SM drug conjugates)
- Work collaboratively with key expert partner functions across discovery and early development (e.g. discovery & pharmaceutical sciences) to drive scientific excellence prioritize resources and focus activities to maximize portfolio acceleration
- Represent the function at relevant governance meetings including the Oncology Research Board providing expert scientific input and critique to support project delivery/prioritization
- Provide scientific leadership across the department to inspire innovation maintain the highest levels of scientific rigor and drive organizational performance
- Work with leading academic institutions external partners and collaborators to develop business critical science and platforms aligned to our strategic goals
- Maintain and enhance the scientific reputation of the department through high impact publications presentations at key scientific symposia and building strategic external relationships
Essential Requirements
- PhD or equivalent degree in chemistry and at least 15 years relevant experience as a medicinal chemist
- Experience developing ADCs and other drug targeting approaches.
- Proven track record of portfolio delivery and advancing projects through all phases of the drug discovery process
- Proven people leadership skills and experience leading significant sized medicinal chemistry groups / departments.
- Executive level communication skills with ability to work closely with partners across the enterprise and build relationships with senior stakeholders
Desirable Skills
- Expert in drug design concepts and contemporaneous knowledge of novel approaches and modalities relevant to small molecule & ADC drug discovery
- Excellent crossfunctional knowledge and expert knowledge of the drug discovery process from target selection through to the nomination of a clinical drug candidate and transition into early development
- Strategically aware and able to identify develop & apply new technologies and capabilities across the function and wider enterprise
- Experience coaching and developing key talent
- Industrywide reputation with a significant body of peerreviewed publications & presentations
- Awareness of the competitive landscape across oncology
Date Posted
07May2025Closing Date
09Jul2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations please complete the section in the application form.Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
