Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D

What if your next role helped eliminate cancer as a cause of death?  

At AstraZeneca, our Oncology ambition is unparalleled. We’ve built and strategically acquired one of the most promising pipelines in the industry, driven by a bold vision to push the boundaries of science, change the practice of medicine, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. You will be among inspiring oncology industry leaders who will empower you to be the best, joining teams with a shared sense of urgency to cure cancer and transform patients’ lives.  ​

With a strong and growing pipeline across multiple scientific pillars and tumor types, we rely on highly skilled Strategy Leads to craft integrated therapeutic area strategies, combining clinical, scientific, and commercial insights to shape portfolio choices and clarify sophisticated investment priorities across assets and platforms. 

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As an Executive Director, Strategy, Oncology R&D, you will own and drive the global Oncology R&D strategy, setting priorities for the senior executive team and transforming our approach to deliver impact for patients across disease areas and/or platform technologies aligned to our latest priorities. This is a critical opportunity to apply scientific expertise and strategic analysis to influence high‑stakes decisions with direct patient impact. Working at the highest level, you will ensure our choices optimize return on investment and patient outcomes by presenting clear options, tradeoffs, and recommendations tied to value and risk. 

To be successful, you will need: 

• Education and experience: BA/BS and 10 years of experience with focus in life science programs, consulting, equity research OR MS/MBA and 8+ years of experience OR PhD or MD and 5+ years of experience

• Oncology expertise: Deep understanding of Oncology Therapeutic Area Strategy which may include a specific disease area and/or platform technologies, with proven experience contributing to strategic planning and portfolio decisions 

• Executive presence and leadership: Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals in a fast-paced, highly matrixed work environment

• Strategic and impact oriented: Demonstrates critical and creative thinking, anticipates and solves problems with rigorous, fact-based analysis, and thrives in a fast-paced environment, bringing agility and adaptability to deliver outcomes with clear societal impact.  

Preferred Skills/Experience: 

Office Working Requirements 

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.  This role is available in the following AstraZeneca locations only: US--Gaithersburg MD, Boston MA or New York, NY UK: Cambridge or London. Remote or travel constructs and alternative AZ locations will not be supported.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $270,222 to $405,332. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.  

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by shaping the future of oncology innovation at AstraZeneca. If you're ready to apply your strategic expertise and leadership to help us achieve our ambitious goals, we encourage you to apply.