Senior Director, Epidemiology
Boston, MA - USA
Job Summary
Summary of Role:
The Senior DirectorEpidemiologyis a leader who shapesevidencegeneration strategy across therapeutic areas while driving technical excellence and cross-functional collaboration. This role combines deep epidemiologicexpertisewith executive presence leading teams to deliverinnovativerealworldevidence that advises critical business decisions throughout the product lifecycle with an emphasis on applications in Clinical Development Regulatory and a key member of the EpidemiologyandReal WorldScienceDepartment leadership team you will influence both internal strategy and external scientific discourse while building and developing high-performing teams.
Accountabilities:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Develop and implement comprehensive epidemiology strategic plans aligned withcorporateobjectivesacross assigned therapeutic areas
Advise the planning prioritization and execution of epidemiology deliverables including systematic literature reviews realworld data analyses and observational studies/disease registries
Optimizeresource allocation and operational efficiency ensuring deliverables meet quality budget and timeline requirements while incorporatinginnovativemethodologies
Collaborate with thedepartment headon department-level strategic planning including workforce planning external resource evaluation andrealworlddata source assessment
Navigate organizational ambiguities and policy complexities to ensure successful execution of critical initiatives
Identifyprocess gaps and lead the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures and Process Guides
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the epidemiologyleadon cross-functional therapeutic area teams partnering with Clinical Development Pharmacovigilance Regulatory Affairs Medical Affairs Commercial/MarketingandHEOR
Engage proactively with senior and executive leadership to integrate epidemiologic evidence into strategic decision-making throughout the product lifecycle
Break down functional silos through influence conflict resolution and negotiation to achieve shared objectives
Represent thedepartment in high-level corporate meetings and critical initiatives
Lead or contribute to R&D and corporate process improvement initiativesfinding opportunities to enhance efficiency and impact
Assess and address diverse team member needs translating sophisticated epidemiologic concepts for varied audiences
Provide executive-level presentations and recommendations that shape business strategy
Technical Excellence & Innovation
Serve as a recognized technical authority in epidemiologic methods including observational study design causal inference safety signal quantification and disease epidemiology
Apply sophisticated analytical approaches using SAS R Pythonor other statistical software to extract meaningful insights from sophisticated realworld data sources
Ensure all epidemiology deliverables reflect current standard processes and methodological advancements in pharmacoepidemiology
Provide experienced technical guidance and scientific rigor across systematic literature reviews database studies and registry analyses
Contribute epidemiologicexpertiseto study protocols case report forms (CRFs) clinical conference materials and regulatory documents
Author and review scientific manuscripts abstracts and presentations based on observational study datamaintaininghigh publication standards
Work with authors referees and in-house reviewers to ensure scientific quality and accuracy
Stay current with emerging methodologies and data sources recommending innovations that advance departmental capabilities
Leadership & People Development
Provide direct line management and leadership for Epidemiologists within assigned therapeutic areas fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration
Mentor team members in epidemiologic methods critical thinking and professional development supporting their growth as technical authorities and leaders
Actively teach and mentor colleagues both within and outside thedepartment contributing to organizational capability building
Lead vendor and contractor relationships ensuring external partners deliver high-quality work aligned with strategic objectives
Champion professional development for self and direct reports creating opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement
Identifyand develop future leaders within thedepartment
Conduct performance evaluations provide constructive feedback and support career progression for team members
Build a diverse inclusive high performingteam environment that values different perspectives and approaches
External Influence & Thought Leadership
Represent the company and Epidemiology Department in interactions with regulatory authorities Scientific Advisory Boards and other external partners
Influence industry standards and guidelines through active leadership in professional societies industry associations and regulatory working groups
Build the companys reputation as a leader in rare disease epidemiology through publications presentations and scientific discourse
Leverage deepexpertisein rare disease epidemiology to advance understanding of disease burden natural history and treatment outcomes
Establish andmaintainrelationships with key opinion leaders and external research collaborators
Contribute to the broader scientific community through peer review conference participation and collaborative research initiatives
Serve as a spokesperson for the organization at scientific conferences and industry events
Travel may berequired(up to 10%).
Required Skills and Education:
PhD / DSc / DrPH in Epidemiology withminimum12years post-graduation experience or MPH/MSc in Epidemiology withminimum15years post-graduation experience
Minimum 6years ofdirectline management experience of multiple reports
The duties of this role aregenerally conductedin an office is typical of an office-based role employees must be able with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone video and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linearthought analysis and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.
Demonstratedexpertisein epidemiologic methods observational study design causal inference andrealworlddata analysis
Proficiencywith SAS R Pythonor other statistical software packagesThorough and current knowledge of pharmacoepidemiology methods and applications
Strong understanding of safety signal quantification and risk-benefit assessment
Consistent recordof publications in peer-reviewed journals
Exceptional oral and written communication skills with ability to present sophisticated information to diverse audiences
Strong attention to detail scientific rigor and commitment to quality
Experience working optimally in cross-functional matrixed environments
Demonstrated ability to influence senior partners and drive consensus
High degree of self-motivation organization and adaptability
Comfort working in a fast-moving environment with evolving priorities
Desired Skills:
Deepexpertiseanddemonstratedexperience in rare disease epidemiology
Knowledge of drug development processes and regulatory requirements across the product lifecycle
Experience collaborating with regulatory authorities (FDA EMA etc.)
Active leadership roles in professional societies (ISPE ISPOR etc.) or industry associations
Track recordof thought leadership through publications presentations and external engagement
Experience with multiple realworld data sources including claims databases electronic health records and patient registries
Experience in registry development implementation and analysis
When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. Thats why we work on average a minimum of four 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.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $229047 to $343571. Hourly 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 addition our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles) and commission payment eligibility (sales 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 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.
At AstraZenecas Alexion division youll find an environment where innovation thrives. Our commitment to rare diseases means your work will have a profound impact on patients lives. With a rapidly expanding portfolio and an entrepreneurial spirit youll be part of a team that values connection and collaboration. We empower our employees through tailored development programs that align personal growth with our mission. Join us in driving change with integrity while celebrating diversity and innovation.
Ready to make a difference Apply now to join our team at Alexion!
Date Posted
02-Jun-2026Closing Date
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and 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.
Required Experience:
Exec
About Company
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, ... View more