Introduction to role

Are you ready to turn ideas into life-changing medicines? At AstraZeneca, scientific innovation drives everything we do to address unmet patient needs. In this role, reporting to the US Executive Director Early Assets, the US Medical Head, Early Assets leads ambitious US medical strategies for our early pipeline, shaping how novel therapies are developed and introduced. The role provides scientific leadership to cross-functional teams, builds a strong external network across US disease areas where AstraZeneca has pipeline programs, and ensures US perspectives are embedded into global development plans. This is a chance to influence early asset strategy across a complex matrix, connect science with real-world practice, and help set the course for future standards of care!

Accountabilities

• Lead the US medical strategy for early pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with portfolio priorities and long-term business objectives. 
• Act as the internal medical authority for emerging therapies, partnering closely with global medical, R&D, clinical, commercial, and market access colleagues. 
• Develop robust translational and early clinical development plans that integrate medical insights, real-world data opportunities, and evolving standards of care. 
• Drive the development of clear, compelling scientific narratives that support outstanding launches and practice-changing evidence. 
• Guide study design elements such as endpoints, comparators, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and real-world evidence strategies to enable future US access, labeling, and promotion. 
• Build and maintain a comprehensive external engagement plan across key programs and disease areas, including leadership of medical advisory boards and strategic collaborations with external experts. 
• Champion evidence generation activities across phases and data types to inform clinical decision-making and support healthcare system adoption. 
• Influence cross-functional decision-making by connecting insights from the healthcare ecosystem with internal strategy – asking bold questions, challenging assumptions, and turning ideas into action.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry (medical, marketing, R&D, market access roles), or working in a relevant health system setting (clinical, pharmacy, pathway design etc.) 
• Deep medical, clinical or scientific expertise in CV and metabolism (especially in obesity/weight management). Experience/knowledge in immunology and/or cell therapy also preferred. 
• Experienced business leader able to deliver results in a complex matrix environment 
• US regulatory strategy knowledge including product approval, label requirements/negotiation 
• Proven track record to build internal/external networks and to collaborate internally/externally 
• Substantial evidence generation/data expertise, e.g. clinical trial experience (conducted Ph2, Ph3 or Ph4 studies), and/or substantial RWE experience 

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Global and/or R&D experience, or consistent track record of supporting early asset or first-in-class product development 
• Proven experience beyond medical affairs (e.g. in a marketing/R&D/market access role) 

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 setting where medical leaders sit at the intersection of science and strategy, influencing decisions from early clinical development through to real-world evidence and practice change. Work alongside experts across Research & Development, Medical and Commercial to align diverse perspectives, shape disease area strategies, and see how evidence translates into better outcomes for patients. Expect an environment that values curiosity, encourages new ideas, moves at pace, and provides broad scope for growth across therapy areas and functions as our pipeline expands!

If this role sparks your interest and you are ready to help shape the future of healthcare, apply now to join AstraZeneca’s journey of turning science into real impact for patients.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $331,874 to $497,810 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.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.