Executive Director Global Project Leader, Oncology R&D

Company: AstraZeneca
Location: Montgomery Village
Posted on: June 26, 2025

Job Description:

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 committed to advancing the science of oncology to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We currently have over 100 Phase 1, 2, 3 and Lifecycle Management Oncology projects in our robust pipeline. We deliver the Research & Development for Oncology through our newly created Oncology R&D Unit. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development, enabling rapid acceleration of promising early-stage assets and life-cycle management programs. Overview: Join us at AstraZeneca as an Executive Director/Global Project Lead (GPL) in Oncology R&D. This role offers the opportunity to lead and be accountable for multiple global cross-functional early global product teams across diverse biological mechanisms. As the CEO of the asset, you will have the chance to make a big impact and be part of the team that aims to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. The Executive Director/Global Project Lead (GPL) will have overall leadership and accountability of multiple global cross functional early global product teams across diverse biological mechanisms from candidate selection through Phase III investment decision across 3 of the major platforms (IO, ADC, Cell Therapy). This individual will be accountable for the strategic leadership and execution for the product candidates (essentially the ‘CEO’ of the asset). You will have oncology clinical drug development experience, demonstrated leadership, and be able to critically evaluate the science, clinical data and competitive landscape that underlies these programs. You will be able to effectively communicate across a broad range of audiences and have an ability to clearly articulate project specific strategies as it relates to the overall oncology strategy. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Leads global product teams from preclinical candidate selection through proof of concept leading to Phase III Investment decisions. If appropriate, GPLs may have the opportunity to continue to lead assets through late development/ registration. Single point of accountability for the strategy, budget, timeline and execution of a portfolio of pre-clinical and clinical stage therapeutic candidates. Create integrated product development plans which are aligned with business objectives and are differentiated from competitor products. Leads and communicates the project development strategy at governance meetings to secure funding and endorsement of the strategy. Leads the global project team to effectively manage/mitigate/communicate risk. Responsible for monitoring emerging data and pivot when deemed necessary. Responsible for maintaining a high degree of team effectiveness through collaboration, influence, and, as necessary, coaching and mentoring of cross-functional team members. Maintains relationships with external investigators to ensure projects are consistent with evolving clinical Qualifications: Education: Graduate degree such as a PhD, PharmD or an MD/PhD is required 10 years experience leading oncology drug development Required Experience: Demonstrated success in developing oncology agents. Industry experience in drug development including experience in early phase non-clinical and/or clinical drug development and regulatory knowledge. Strong knowledge and understanding of the Oncology therapeutic area with experience in diverse biological mechanisms. Broad understanding of the evolving clinical landscape in oncology. Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams in a highly matrixed environment. Proven record of cultivating and managing internal and external cross-functional collaborations. Demonstrated success in influencing colleagues and senior leaders in various departments. Must demonstrate high integrity. Desired Skills: Experience in the development of biologics is highly desirable. ADC and/or IO (T cell engagers, immune redirecting agents, cell therapy, etc) development experience is highly desirable. Due diligence experience as GPLs often are required to participate in business development. Why AstraZeneca? 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 doesnt mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, ground-breaking pioneering methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey! The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 246,000.00 USD- 369,104.00 USD . Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Keywords: AstraZeneca, Frederick , Executive Director Global Project Leader, Oncology R&D, Science, Research & Development , Montgomery Village, Maryland