Senior Director Bioscience - Chief Scientist, Metabolism

Are you ready to make a greater impact? We are looking for a metabolic diseases research expert to join us as a Chief Scientist in the Bioscience department of Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM) therapeutic area. This is a Senior Director level role based at AstraZeneca’s vibrant R&D site in Gaithersburg, USA. Here, you will have the opportunity to guide a portfolio of drug discovery projects and bring novel treatment options to patients. Join us and be part of the team where you are empowered to follow the science! 

What you’ll do 

In this strategic role, you will collaborate with colleagues in Early CVRM and partner organizations to identify novel targets with breakthrough potential. You will leverage your network to establish strategic collaborations with academic institutions or industry partners. You will also stay updated with the latest advancements in metabolic diseases and related fields, integrate novel technologies into the discovery process, and mentor Early CVRM staff. 

Essential for the role 

• PhD or MD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., pharmacology, cell biology, genetics) with significant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research. 

• A minimum 8 years of experience in drug discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and their co-morbidities, with experience in a senior leadership role. 

• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment. 

• Proven track record of advancing drug discovery projects from target ideation through preclinical development and into candidate selection. 

• Experience in submission of INDs/CTAs or other regulatory packages. 

• Broad understanding of diverse therapeutic areas and modalities. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Strong creativity, interpersonal and organizational skills. 

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities. 

• A demonstrated record of high-quality research indicated by high impact peer-reviewed published manuscripts or other work products. 

When we put teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. 

At AstraZeneca, we are unlocking the power of what science can do. We are committed to treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Our combination of curiosity and courage drives us to dig deep into the biology of complex diseases and make bold decisions. We are investing to enhance our understanding of disease as we work towards creating the next generation of therapeutics and pioneering new approaches to better predict clinical success. By advancing our scientific knowledge we are helping to shape the future of healthcare. To create the greatest and swiftest impact on disease.