Head of Medical Innovation and Scientific Strategic Partnerships

Shape the future of science with AstraZeneca! We are a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company transforming ideas into life-changing medicines. In Portugal, our purpose is to advance clinical practice and reduce the burden of chronic diseases and cancer by facilitating patient access to innovation—raising awareness, supporting early identification of symptoms, and helping implement treatments aligned to best evidence and medical guidelines.

As Head of Medical Innovation and Scientific Strategic Partnerships, you will be a scientific and business leader driving sustainable medical solutions across the local healthcare ecosystem. Grounded in a deep understanding of the environment, you will build and sustain impactful partnerships that improve patient care and accelerate pathways—from identification and referral to management—while contributing to AstraZeneca’s mission and outcomes for patients.

You will collaborate at an evidence-based level with cross-functional AstraZeneca teams, healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, community HCPs), healthcare decision-makers, and other stakeholders to create long-term strategic partnerships and optimize care where it matters most. The role reports to the Medical & Regulatory Affairs Director and is part of the country Medical Leadership Team.

Accountabilities

In this pivotal role, you will:

- Build enterprise-wide scientific strategies and long-term medical partnerships with the healthcare ecosystem, collaborating with therapeutic area and cross-functional teams to transform care.

- Partner with internal teams to deliver strategy-aligned policy evidence, ensuring flagship research projects align with AstraZeneca’s ambition and external narrative.

- Embed innovation into core medical processes by defining ambitious KPIs, governance frameworks, and medical impact indicators.

- Design and deliver value-based projects addressing healthcare ecosystem needs from concept to scale, improving impact on health outcomes.

- Provide deep insight into emerging trends in science and healthcare, anticipating future disruptions and embedding them into critical initiatives.

- Advise and support local cross-functional teams on the eligibility, scalability, and sustainability of Transform Care projects, focusing on early patient identification, referral, and GDMT implementation.

- Lead enterprise-wide medical transformation initiatives and act as a change agent — fostering curiosity, experimentation, and agility.

Essential Skills/Experience

- PhD or equivalent experience, Master’s degree in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Life Sciences

- Proven experience in the pharmaceutical industry (medical/scientific/innovation roles) or healthcare systems with outstanding project tracking improving healthcare delivery.

- High-level of familiarity with the national healthcare agenda, health information systems, interoperability and real-world evidence.

- Strong knowledge of healthcare ecosystem dynamics and innovation drivers of healthcare and medical science.

- Up to date understanding of innovation trends, digital health best practice and value-based healthcare.

- Robust knowledge of agile methodologies, service design, design thinking or user centred innovation.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills.

- Proven robust ability to work in a cross functional environment and to manage a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

- Very good spoken and written English.

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.

AstraZeneca offers a dynamic environment where you can be at the forefront of healthcare innovation. With opportunities for growth and development, we leverage our unique position as medical leaders to shape the future of healthcare. Our collaborative approach ensures that we make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while supporting your personal growth. Here, new experiences are encouraged, making it an inspiring place to work every day.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our thriving team!

Date Posted

15-Dec-2025

Closing Date

03-Jan-2026

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.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.