Associate Director, Translational Medicine Lead, Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Do you feel passionate about the possibilities of great science changing lives of cancer patients? Do you have a background within oncology and/or translational research and have interest in working with antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and an exciting portfolio? If so, this may be the role for you.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Associate Director to join our team of translational medicine leads supporting our exciting internal ADC programs.

 

The Translational Medicine function exists within AstraZeneca R&D to ensure effective and strategic biomarker studies for Oncology project teams. Closely interacting with the pre-clinical Discovery, Early Clinical Development, and Precision Medicine & Biosamples diagnostics functions, the Translational Medicine team is the single point of accountability for delivery of robust, scientifically-driven biomarkers to all project teams, providing feasibility assessments, technical validation, centralized biomarker analysis capability for clinical samples, delivery of translational science research and early clinical phase engagement.  AstraZeneca has focused its efforts in developing drugs based on a strong data-driven translational approach. As part of this global initiative, Translational Medicine (TM) Oncology works closely with discovery, research and clinical development teams to integrate biomarker strategies to guide clinical translation of our new molecule entities (NMEs) across a wide variety of targeted therapies. To this end, TM Oncology group leads the biomarker strategy and execution to establish mechanism of action and predictors of response in early clinical trials. The team also implements biomarker strategies for all clinical programs.  We are looking for a highly motivated translational medicine leader to support biomarker activities in early as well as late-stage clinical development.

 

We are seeking an Associate Director in Oncology Translational Medicine Strategist to develop biomarker strategies and ensuring delivery within our internal ADC oncology project portfolio teams.

Working in partnership with the Translational Medicine team, lead the implementation of strategic vision that enables indication selection, early indication of biological activity and patient stratification/selection in Oncology

 

Responsibilities

• Delivering translational science and biomarker strategies for early and late development oncology assets through Ph1 to Ph 3 clinical studies based on the best available science and technologies.
• Generating disease linkage data to guide indication selection and targeted patient populations.
• Measuring target engagement and pharmacodynamic biomarkers reliably and quantifiably to advise clinical decisions for selecting therapeutically relevant doses and schedules.
• Understanding key cancer pathway interactions, feedback mechanisms, and features of tumor microenvironment in clinical samples to guide rational drug combinations.
• Defining novel mechanisms of resistance targeted therapies by studying tumors at relapse.
• Influence translational strategy across the AZ portfolio.
• Collaborate with Oncology Research, Translational Medicine, and global product development teams to facilitate appropriate incorporation of Translational Medicine strategies for molecules in early to late phases of development in Oncology.
• Collaborate with clinical operations and clinical teams to define sample collection, lab manuals and clinical study protocols, and biomarker analyses in clinical studies related to oncology.
• Contribute to and ensure the quality of Translational Medicine clinical study reports, data reviews and interpretations, presentations, scientific publications and recommendations to development teams and management
• Lead internal and external research collaborations in areas of clinical technologies and oncology translational research.

 

Essential for the role

• PhD and/or MD with experience in oncology drug development.
• A minimum of 5 years’ of relevant experience
• In-depth knowledge of oncology disease area biology (solid tumors) and translational science.
• Ability to drive, manage, execute and deliver results for complex multi-functional projects.
• Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills, and attention to detail.
• Highly developed collaborative working skills.
• Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organisations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop others.

Desirable for the role

• Expertise in antibody drug conjugates.

 

 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Naturally curious, we are forever connecting and collaborating. Uncovering new insights that equip us to challenge convention and push the boundaries. We are a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Committed to living our values – they guide our behaviours, actions and decisions, everyday. With our ground-breaking pipeline comes a bright future – exciting opportunities and varied work. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $138,392 - $207,589.20 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. 

 

Date Posted

24-Sept-2026

Closing Date

07-Oct-2026

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.