Director, Small-Molecule Research, Biology

At AstraZeneca we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action confident to lead willing to collaborate and curious about what science can do then youre our kind of person.

This is what you will do:

We are seeking a highly motivated Director in biology to work in our multidisciplinary small-molecule research team in New Haven CT. In this position you will play a pivotal role in discovery project ideation and leadership as we execute on our expanding rare-disease portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas. You will work in close collaboration with small-molecule research colleagues in biology chemistry and DMPK and with partners across other functions within Alexion and AstraZeneca. To build strong relationships and nurture collaboration this role requires full-time onsite presence at our New Haven research site.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading multidisciplinary small-molecule project teams and working with teams of scientists to progress projects from target selection and validation through development candidate selection

• Providing subject-matter expertise in experimental design and interpretation of results relating to disease pathophysiology target activity and/or compound pharmacology using a variety of cell-free and cell-based in vitro assays

• Contributing strategic evaluation of project progression from target selection through lead generation lead optimization and delivery of development candidates

• Working closely onsite with biology colleagues scientists in chemistry and DMPK and other internal and external collaborators

• Delivering evaluation and ideation of new internal and external opportunities in rare disease drug discovery

• Mentoring and/or training biology colleagues in experimental design conduct and interpretation

• Communicating regularly to peers and senior leaders

You will need to have:

• Ph.D. in biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences with 12 years of drug discovery experience

• Experience in discovery project leadership from inception to development candidate selection

• Extensive track record of consistent and successful drug discovery accomplishments

• Demonstrated expertise problem-solving and analytical skills and contemporary knowledge base with relevant experience in biochemistry cell biology drug discovery pharmacology and/or related areas

• Track record of innovation demonstrated by publications conference presentations and other venues

• Strong written and oral communication skills strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work as a team player and to lead and mentor junior scientists

We would prefer for you to have:

• Broad background and knowledge of pathophysiology of rare diseases

• Strong working knowledge of key concepts in medicinal chemistry drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics and toxicology

• Experience identifying and evaluating external research opportunities

• Supervisory experience of biology activities at contract research organizations (CROs)

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 to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. Thats why we work on average a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesnt mean were not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Date Posted

28-May-2025

Closing Date

04-Jun-2025Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment training compensation promotion and other terms and conditions of employment based on race color religion creed or lack thereof sex sexual orientation age ancestry national origin ethnicity citizenship status marital status pregnancy (including childbirth breastfeeding or related medical conditions) parental status (including adoption or surrogacy) military status protected veteran status disability medical condition gender identity or expression genetic information mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation please contact Alexion participates in E-Verify.