Director, Bioscience

Job Title: Director, Bioscience
Location: Boston Seaport
 

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.
 

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects. 

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention. 
 

The Director, Bioscience is recognized as an expert in cancer immunology and leads a research team.
 

Accountabilities:

• Supports the development of the Rare Cancer Discovery function by contributing to the leadership and direction of the Unit as well as leading project groups focused on immuno-oncology and combination therapies
• Leads the delivery of drug discovery projects through matrixed project management or by providing technical expertise on a specific topic
• Oversees the development of innovative projects or contributes significantly to the practical delivery of project goals by providing expert advice and interpreting complex data to resolve issues and make high level recommendations
• Leads and champions new innovations within own subject area which will aid the unit to meet overall strategic objectives
• Designs and implements improvements in technologies and scientific approaches across area of responsibility to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of projects
• Serves as a resource for others by sharing expertise, within and beyond the rare cancer function, in own area of expertise or defines and communicates important initiatives to own team
• Collaborates effectively with other functions and ensures communication between teams
• Makes decisions about whether the activity of a drug project can be optimized through rational and effective combination strategies and develops adequate models to test those strategies
• Expected to manage the performance of team members, helping to set goals and objectives and overseeing their professional development
• Ensures own work, and work of team, is aligned with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulation

Essential Skills/Experience:

• PhD or equivalent degree

• 5 years Experience in Drug Development.

• Significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery process
• Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology, immunological assays, pharmacokinetics and in vivo modeling
• Extensive experience developing immunotherapies
• Demonstrated know-how in pre-clinical combination strategy evaluation to improve the therapeutic index of immune-therapies and combination therapies
• Experience with preclinical pharmacology and pharmacodynamics of multiple drug modalities (e.g. antibodies and recombinant proteins, immunocytokines, small molecules, antibody drug conjugates) a plus
• Expertise within a rare cancer including brain cancer
   

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field i.e. immunology, cancer biology
• Some experience with 3-dimensional tumor models, such as tumoroid, organoid, and/or tissue slice culture
• Experience in the development of genetically modified mouse models, humanized mouse models, immunocompetent syngeneic tumor models, and various immunodeficient mouse models relevant to rare oncology such as brain cancers.
• Extensive experience reflected in high quality publications, patents, developing pipeline projects in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting
   

Where can I find out more?

• Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
• Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/
• Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en
• Our US Footprint: Powering Scientific Innovation - YouTube

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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Date Posted

13-Mar-2026

Closing Date

19-Mar-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.