Therapy Area Lead (Oncology - GI Cancer) – Mumbai - HO

Role: Therapy Area Lead (Oncology - GI Cancer)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

At AstraZeneca we are guided in our work by a strong set of values, and we’re resetting expectations of what a biopharmaceutical company can be. By truly following the science, we pioneer new methods, new thinking and bring unexpected teams together. From scientists to sales, lab techs to legal, we’re on a mission to turn ideas into life changing medicines that transform lives. We need great people who share our passion for science and have the drive and determination to meet the unmet needs of patients around the world. If you’re swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

Job Description

An internal and externally facing medical role that provides medical and clinical expertise in priority therapeutic/disease areas and builds AZ scientific leadership. Leads the development of medical plans for the TA/ Brands. Participates and contributes to development of LCM and Brand Strategy and aligning medical plans to the brand strategy. Takes leadership in implementation of Medical Plan/ activities in alignment with Brand strategy. Ensures that the Medical Activities meet the needs of patients and customers.  Engages Opinion Leaders in ESRs, scientific exchange meetings and advisory board meetings. Defines and delivers training on Medical background of the product or various functions in an organization. May take responsibility as Nominated Signatory or medical reviewer for activities and promotional materials. May take responsibility for mentorship/ management of MSL/s/Medical Advisor in the country.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

To establish AstraZeneca as a scientific leader through proactive, updated and effective Medical input and Communication

• Continuously acquire and update necessary scientific knowledge on therapeutic area and relevant compounds (including competitor products). 

• Develop and implement the local medical plan to address unmet medical needs in priority disease areas and ensure alignment with the brand plan.

• Collaborate with MSL to seek input from MSL insights for development of local medical plan.

• Develop and implement pre-launch medical plan/activities for new products at least 2 years prior to the planned launch in the country to address key clinical and scientific challenges

• Provide medical leadership on faculty and content development for medical programmes including national congresses, advisory boards, scientific exchange meetings, publications, CMEs to meet identified needs

• Ensure that the Medical Information provided both to external and internal customers is timely, relevant, accurate and scientifically balanced

• Provide local medical expertise to local area/regional brand teams

• Provide medical input to phase 1 to 4 study protocols, study feasibility and support operational delivery

• Provide Medical expertise to support PSP market research, PASS and ESRO.

To engage  science leaders, professional bodies / societies to establish AZ as a scientific leader in the TA

• 20-30% of time in field may be required for engagement with the highest priority HCPs and key  external stakeholders’ engagement

• Share emerging data with HCPs, discussing all aspects of the data in a scientific, objective and balanced way

• Disseminate results of studies completed to medical community by translating their clinical values and incorporating into business strategies

• Attend relevant scientific congresses and HCP meetings to gather new knowledge on AZ compounds,  competitor information and therapeutic area

• Conduct professional scientific communication or presentation (become chairperson/presenter when necessary) with key opinion leaders

• Liaise with local investigators and the External Sponsored Research organization to support research initiatives.

• Internally communicate competitive intelligence

Generate medical evidence to support the brand strategies in priority TAs to meet local unmet medical needs

• Idea generation  for the company sponsored clinical research

• Oversight and accountability of the operation of the studies

•  Initiate research discussions, for example NIS, with customers to develop studies that will fulfil global and local business strategies. (May as part of the review team conduct initial assessment of any ISS proposals)Participate as key member of brand team as strategic partner towards LCM actions including potential business development opportunities

• Develop NIS or registry studies to address unmet medical needs.

• Developing partnership with OLs in order to develop their capabilities of conducting medical studies

• Partner with local SMM team to support country participating in global studies

Provide medical expertise to shape regulatory environment to achieve rapid and high quality market access of AZ products including new registration, new product evaluation and life cycle

• Support  develop drug value pack and communicate it to Key Decision Makers

• Support market access activities that shape market understanding of disease, diagnosis and  treatment options

• Proactive cross functional collaboration with regulatory and other teams in drug registration in earlier and broader accessibility aligned to the brand strategy

• Present at SEC meetings as and when required

Defines and delivers comprehensive training on Medical background of the product for various functions in the organization as required

• Provide effective Medical/clinical trainings (basic science and disease knowledge, drug profile, clinical data) to internal colleagues in line with expressed needs of MSL manager and sales managers:

• Ensures own knowledge and knowledge of team members of best practices and new relevant developments is up to date

Governance and ensuring overall adherence to processes and regulation [include but not limit to patient safety, clinical trials, promotional activities, etc…]

• Accountable for ensuring Promotional Compliance: Provide medical input to the creation, development and agreement of promotional material and ensure all material is in line with internal SOPs and meets IFPMA code

• If appropriate to market, Ensure that Pharmacovigilance activities meet internal SOP and local regulations

• Ensure clinical studies are carried out in accordance with AZ SOPs and cGCP. Support Clinical team to select appropriate investigators and sites optimising quality, delivery and commercial benefit

• Aligns with the values and vision of AZ

• Actively participate/encourage the development of the AZ culture

• Ensures compliance with AZ code of conduct, Corporate Governance, Audits requirement, guidelines, codes, policies and procedures

• Ensures that company confidentiality is maintained (i.e. intellectual property, product, strategic and salary information)

• Discloses potential breach of codes or conducts

Personal Development

• Develop functional capability in the role

• Communicate, develop and role model AZ culture and AZ Values & Behaviours

• Develop individual and team accountability

• Identify areas for self-development and discuss developmental needs with line manager using the 70-20-10 principle (experiential learning, coaching/networking/relationship-based learning and class room training)

• Attend & actively participate in learning programmes, training, projects and meetings (where needed)

Essential Requirements

• A medical degree with specialization, or appropriate clinical experience, in the required product or disease area

• Medical/Scientific knowledge in the rare disease area

• Experience of Medical Affairs function within the  pharmaceutical industry

• Fluency in English is required & Excellent presentation skills

• An ability to travel

• Experience in relationship and stakeholder management

• Team management experience

• Knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory developments

Desirable Requirements

• Understanding of multiple aspects within Medical Affairs

• Project management experience

• Interest in a long-term career in the pharmaceutical industry

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.

You can find alternative messaging to use in the ‘Global Talent Attraction Story messaging’ section of the Global Playbook on the Employer Brand Portal - try to use other examples in order to make it different for candidates!

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and we hope it’s yours.

• If you’re curious to know more then please reach out to (contact person) We welcome with your application, no later than (Month) (XX)

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

If you have site, country or departmental social media then feel free to switch any of the above links.

Date Posted

25-Feb-2026

Closing Date

09-Mar-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.