VP, Head of Bioscience - Small Molecules, Oncology Targeted Discovery
Location options:
Cambridge, United Kingdom / Waltham, United States
Do you have a strategic mindset, analytical rigour, and visionary people leadership that enables you to deliver positive outcomes on high-impact projects? If you are looking to demonstrate those skills to help lead teams that shape our future oncology strategy, portfolio and decision making, we are keen to hear from you.
About AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca, we're not afraid to do things differently. We're building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we're opening up innovative ways of working, pioneering ground-breaking methods and bringing cross-functional teams together.
Early Oncology is focused on attacking cancer from multiple angles through innovative modalities, realising the potential of combinations and building treatment regimens with depth, durability and precision. The VP Head of Bioscience - within the new Oncology Targeted Delivery team - will be accountable for the generation of bioscience data packages to support our early-stage small molecule portfolio including: Tumour Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response and Epigenetics.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to lead the drug discovery efforts of small molecule efforts in Oncology R & D.
In this role you will report to SVP, Biologics Engineering & Oncology Targeted Discovery and lead a translational bioscience team department. You will be responsible for the discovery and preclinical development of the small molecule portfolio from target discovery/identification through to clinical candidate selection.
Key accountabilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership and direction for the Bioscience function and ensuring the needs and capabilities of the function are well understood and represented at the global leadership level.
- Partnering with the Oncology Targeted Discovery senior leadership team in the vision and execution of the small molecule bioscience strategy
- Evolving the capabilities and fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture, ensuring resources are used appropriately to satisfy current and anticipated needs of the organisation, and that the function drives performance and delivers business value.
- Working closely with Head of Chemistry to drive the interface with critical support expert functions and in particular Oncology Strategy, Discovery Sciences, CPSS and Pharmaceutical Sciences to manage the composition, execution, focus and coordinated deliverables for the small molecule portfolio.
- Leading, guiding and developing a global team of senior executives to ensure that the team collaborates effectively internally across strategic R&D sites (Cambridge, UK and Boston, US) achieves its business objectives, complies with all relevant regulations and laws and is accountable for delivering to financial commitments.
- Driving portfolio prioritisation, staying abreast of the latest external developments and innovations and able to identify future strategic opportunities.
- Collaborating cross-functionally with colleagues across the discovery and clinical development value chain.
Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- PhD in a Biological science discipline
- Minimum of 15 years experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with deep experience in leading small molecule drug discovery and cross functional stakeholder management process
- Proven track record of delivering portfolio success and delivering strategic / operational change across the business
- Oversight of and deep knowledge of in vivo pharmacology with awareness of local regulations
- Proven leadership experience promoting, motivating and empowering others to accomplish individual, team and organisational objectives. Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills with consultative approach and ability to interact and build trust
- Experience and standing to lead a global organisation
- Strong leadership and c-suite / board communication skills - ability to convey scientifically complex data and concepts in a simple, straightforward manner
- Significant experience in functional strategy in a multi-national environment
- Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive organisational relationships
- Expert reputation within the business and externally across the industry
Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca, we follow the science and pioneer new frontiers. Our Oncology R&D team is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a cause of death. With multiple indications and high-quality molecules at all stages of our innovative pipeline, we keep pushing forward. Fusing ground breaking science with the latest technology to achieve breakthroughs. Backed by investment, we are aiming to deliver 6 new molecular entities by 2025.
We are pioneers of collaborative research and have built an unrivalled scientific community both internally and externally. Working seamlessly and inclusively, together we expedite research in some of the hardest-to-treat cancers.
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 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.
If you are ready to make a difference, Apply today and join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death!
The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.
So, what's next?
If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we want to hear from you!
Click below to apply, or connect with Ellen Willcox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-willcox-03a2b1/
or Sam Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhunter1/ as our dedicated Talent recruiters aligned to this unique opportunity, to schedule a confidential discussion to discover more!
