Senior Director, Translational Medicine, R&D Oncology

Location: Waltham, MA (US)

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the utmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe.

We are seeking a senior director with proven experience in the science of immuno-oncology to join our world class center for discovery and development of innovative cancer medicines. As a translational medicine lead in oncology R&D you will shape biomarker strategies that help understand mechanisms of action, identify and select responsive patients and define pathways of resistance that can guide future drug discovery and development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership of biomarker strategies for a portfolio of clinical trials within the IO portfolio.
• Through the analysis of patient samples, using the best available science and technologies, derive insights that guide indication selection, identify targeted patient populations, support rational drug combinations and inform mechanisms of resistance.
• Collaborate with Oncology Research and clinical development teams to ensure incorporation of robust biomarker strategies for molecules in all phases of development.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to implement exploratory sample collection and analyses in clinical studies related to oncology.
• Manage internal and external research collaborations in areas of clinical technologies and oncology translational research.
• Contribute to and ensure the quality of Translational Medicine clinical study reports, data review and interpretation, presentations, scientific publications and recommendations to development teams and management.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD with at least 10 years of experience in oncology
• Extensive experience in translational medicine and drug development within the pharmaceutical industry
• In-depth knowledge of oncology disease area biology and translational medicine, with deep expertise in immune-oncology.
• Highly developed collaborative working skill and ability to lead within a matrix organization.
• Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organisations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.
• Proven ability to mentor, motivate and develop others.

Site Description

Our Waltham, MA facility builds life-changing medicines for people around the world. The modern, vibrant scientific campus employs more than 800 experts in our field, and it is only a short drive from Boston, MA. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers. It is filled with innovative technology. Our work areas were built to facilitate teamwork, interaction and cross functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities to help book productivity and help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, full-service cafeteria and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. 

Find out more information here:

Kendall Square Press Release

So, what’s next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

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AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.