Executive Director, Head of Immunology Cell Therapy Discovery

At AstraZeneca, our ambition is to push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer. We focus on research and development and our commercial capabilities to deliver a new generation of medicines that have the potential to redefine cancer treatment.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled leader to head the newly launched capability build in Immunology Cell Therapy. The successful candidate will set the strategy for AstraZeneca within R&D, with accountability for internal R&D as well as planning around major investments – partnerships, alliances, and internally developed programs. This role requires a broad, comprehensive understanding of the field of cell therapy, with a focus on immunology CAR-T.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Immunology Cell Therapy will be responsible for:

• Developing and owning the global AstraZeneca discovery Immunology Cell Therapy strategy to ensure delivery of a balanced portfolio of drug discovery programs
• Influencing the internal scientific investment, anticipating investment needs, and ensuring provisions for appropriate resourcing to align with the vision
• Ensuring the implementation and execution of the strategy through partnership with critical AstraZeneca R&D functions
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships across functions to ensure resources are aligned for internal portfolio delivery plan and risks are managed
• Recommending and securing funding for, and developing external partnerships with leaders in the field
• Identifying new opportunities and working effectively with multifunctional teams to evaluate and incorporate these into the unit vision
• Accelerating pipeline deliver through focusing on ways to enable the unit to act nimbly and innovatively to ensure rapid development in a highly competitive landscape
• Developing a successful team and instilling a culture of agility and innovation
• Recruiting the necessary expertise as needed while also providing opportunities for expanded learning within the team
• Ensuring external influences in the rapidly changing external landscape – competition, regulatory changes, etc. – are well understood and incorporated into the overall strategy
• Ensuring their own work, and work of the unit, is aligned with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) regulations and all other internal and external standards and regulations

Reporting Structure

The Head of Immunology Cell Therapy will report to the Senior Vice President of the Immuno-oncology, Engagers and Cell Therapy Discovery Department within Oncology R&D and also work closely with Vice President of Immunology Cell Therapy.

Location

This role is based in Boston, MA with up to 20% travel to China as needed

Education, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• PhD in Immunology, Bio-Engineering, Immuno-Oncology, or equivalent experience in a relevant area of biology
• Extensive knowledge of the latest scientific, technical, and regulatory developments within Cell Therapy CAR-T Therapies
• Extensive experience (10 years+) within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry and drug discovery & development process across different project stages
• Track record of starting and building scientific teams
• Strong external network of industry and academic experts in cell therapies, particularly CAR-T.
• Proven ability to influence senior management
• Proven skills in motivating teams and progress innovative thinking
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable

• Expertise and reputation within Cell Therapy
• A strong understanding of the manufacture and process development sciences underpinning cellular therapies.
• Strong publication track record
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with other functions
• Passionate about delivering next-generation medicines

Next Steps

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about the opportunity to lead the Immunology Cell Therapy capability at AstraZeneca, we encourage you to apply today!

Date Posted

05-Nov-2024

Closing Date

10-Nov-2024Our 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.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.