Head of Indication Repurposing and Innovation, Alexion

The Head of Indication Repurposing and Innovation is responsible for creating the capability of Drug Repurposing within Alexion and for overseeing the creation, development, and execution of the research plans for drug repurposing projects. This role involves leading and handling the integration of further discovery methods beyond RNAseq-based transcriptome profiling with AI technologies and coordinating with AZ’s and Alexion’s R&D to accelerate drug repurposing. This position requires a broad, comprehensive understanding of indication discovery as well as the application of AI technologies in the research process. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to Alexion’s strategy and is recognized as an authority in drug repurposing and in silico methods.

Accountabilities

1. Leadership and Strategy:
- Develop and implement strategic plans for drug repurposing projects.
- Lead cross-functional multidisciplinary teams in the design and implementation of AI-based drug repurposing studies, including bioinformaticians, pharmacologists, and clinical researchers, to ensure cohesive project execution.
- Align research objectives with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

2. Scientific and Technical Expertise:
- Extensive knowledge in pharmacology, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
- Expertise in drug discovery processes, including preclinical and clinical development.
- Familiarity with high-throughput screening methods and computational approaches for drug repurposing.
- Proficiency in AI and machine learning techniques, particularly in the field of biomedical data, including LLMs, knowledge graphs, and predictive analytics. Familiarity with drug discovery platforms and tools that apply AI.

3. Project Management:
- Be responsible for the planning, execution, and management of multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Ensure timely delivery of milestones and adherence to budgets.
- Coordinate with other departments as well as external partners including universities, research institutions, and industry collaborators.
- Ensure all research activities align with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines as well as rigorous scientific and technical standards in all research activities.

4. Innovation and Research Development:
- Drive innovative ways in drug repurposing, such as leveraging omics data and AI-based predictions through in silico methods and data mining.
- Innovate new methods to improve the efficiency and accuracy of AI models used in drug repurposing.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI, drug repurposing methodologies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Identify and address scientific and technical challenges in drug repurposing.
- Support the validation of drug efficacy and safety through preclinical and clinical trials.

5. Communication and Collaboration:
- Strong ability to convey research findings to collaborators, including scientific communities, funding bodies, and executive management.
- Foster collaborations with external researchers and institutions to enhance research capabilities.
- Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
- Foster collaboration between AI specialists, biologists, chemists, and clinicians to ensure interdisciplinary approaches are effectively applied.

6. Funding and Resource Management:
- Ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships to support research initiatives.
- Handle the allocation of resources, including laboratory equipment, research staff, and financial budgets.

Essential Skills/Experience
• Science Bachelor’s degree and PhD or 10-15 years of technical experience in both drug discovery and development
• Extensive experience in the drug discovery and development process
• Excellent interpersonal skills with multiple external parties and collaborators
• Highly developed skills in senior internal collaborator management
• People and project management experience in both drug discovery and drug development including clinical
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and developments
• Experience working across multiple subject areas and capabilities
• Experience supervising multiple in vivo studies
• Experience supervising a portfolio of indication projects
• Experience working in an External Innovation department
• Experience setting vision and developing new capabilities for the department

Desirable Skills/Experience
• An advanced degree in a relevant field and/or professional certification
• Authoritative reputation within the business and industry
• Clinical trials oversight experience
• Basic Machine Learning/AI techniques

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.

At Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, you will find an environment where work isn’t ordinary. Our closeness to patients brings us closer to our work and each other. With a rapidly expanding portfolio, you will enjoy an entrepreneurial spirit combined with the security of a global pharma. Here you can define your career path while making a significant impact on patients' lives.

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.