Executive Director, Hematology Discovery R&D

Hematology is central to our strategy and vision for AstraZeneca's becoming the leading company in the discovery and development of innovative medicines for cancer patients. We have built an end-to-end Hematology R&D team within Oncology R&D that demonstrates our technology platforms and deep mechanistic scientific activities. The coordinated structure brings together all Hematology projects and activities into a single unit, spanning discovery, translational hematology, clinical operation, and early and late clinical development teams. The Hematology R&D team works closely with the Oncology R&D discovery and Translational Medicine groups to accelerate the delivery of our innovative portfolio.We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled leader to join the Haematology Discovery R&D group. The successful individual will set the strategy for Discovery within Haematology R&D including accountability for internal as well as strategic planning around major investments -partnerships, alliances, and internally developed programs. This leader will also be accountable for growing and building the Discovery team and aligning necessary resourcing through engagements with senior leadership.This role will have a significant impact on the shape of Haematology Discovery R&D and thus requires a strong leader with credibility in this specialized field with a track record of building and growing strong teams in this space.This role provides strategic and tactical leadership for the Haematology Discovery R&D function to deliver in our aspirations to deliver novel medicines within the Discovery space.The Executive Director, Discovery will be based in Waltham, Massachusetts, and report to the Vice President of Discovery. The ideal candidate is an outstanding expert in the biology, genetics, and epigenetics of blood cancers, and should be able to recruit, mentor, and retain talent. The candidate should be innovative, self-motivated, collaborative, and strategic.Major Responsibilities:Develops and leads the global Haematology Discovery R&D strategy to ensure the delivery of a sustainable portfolio of drug discovery programsCrafts the internal scientific investment, anticipates investment needs, and ensures provisions for appropriate resourcing to align with the visionEnsures the implementation and execution of this strategy through partnership with critical AstraZeneca R&D functionsDevelops and maintains effective relationships across functions to ensure that implications to the epigenetics cell therapy plan are understood and risks are handled; enables effective operation in a highly matrixed environmentServes as the internal and external interface for Haematology Discovery R&DIdentifies new opportunities for Haematology Discovery R&D and works effectively with the team to evaluate and incorporate into the visionFocuses on ways to enable the unit to act nimbly and innovatively to ensure rapid development in a highly competitive landscape - develops compliant but streamlined processes for operational executionDevelop an impactful team and instill a culture of agility and innovation -- champion a working environment that promotes science and encourages innovation in drug discoveryRecruit the necessary talent to enable a skilled unit while also providing opportunities for expanded learning within the teamEnsures external influences in the constantly evolving external landscape - competition, regulatory changes, etc. - are well understood and incorporated into the overall strategyEnsures own work, and work of the unit, is aligned with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) regulations and all other internal and external standards and regulationsSkills and Experience Required:Education: Ph.D., and/or M.D. or equivalent experience required10 plus years of experience in blood cancer biology, genetics, and epigenetics with knowledge and expertise in novel target identification and validationExtensive knowledge of the latest scientific, technical, and regulatory developments within Haematology Discovery & Target BiologyProven track record of scientific excellence and innovation, including peer-reviewed publications and/or patentsExpertise in the discovery and identification of novel therapeutic targets, and the ability to identify and resolve sophisticated methodological issuesExperience in effectively working and leading in a highly matrixed environment, with experience working with cross-functional teamsProven ability to develop a vision and strategy, and to recruit and retain talentExcellent communication skills, with the ability to lead, influence, resolve conflict, and drive consensus among individuals from a variety of cultures and disciplines. Strong leadership skillsSo, 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 Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram Date Posted30-Jan-2024Closing Date25-Mar-2024Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.SummaryLocation: US - Waltham - MAType: Full time