Associate Director Translational Medicine Lead – TME & IO

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

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.     

Be part of fulfilling our ambition to be world leaders in Oncology. We are already the fastest growing team within AstraZeneca and across the industry, and there are countless new indications and targets in our game-changing pipeline. The vision of AstraZeneca Oncology is to redefine cancer, redefine our solutions to cancer, and restore patients' lives. To achieve this, we have an exciting and diverse portfolio that focuses on four scientific platforms that we believe show the greatest potential for yielding effective medicines for cancer patients. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline.

We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist with a background in the science of immuno-oncology to join our world class centre 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 and Accountabilities:

• 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.

Essential Requirements and Qualifications

Education Required:

• PhD in a scientific discipline relevant to oncology.

Experience Required:

• In-depth knowledge of pathways and biology relevant to immuno-oncology.

• Proven communication, presentation and influencing skills.

• Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills.

• Highly developed collaborative working skills.

• Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organizations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.

• Experience of drug discovery or development and/or exposure to translational research desirable