Associate Director, Antibody-Drug Conjugate Portfolio

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Director with a proven track record of scientific excellence and project leadership in oncology research to join our antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) portfolio team within the Early Oncology Discovery group in Gaithersburg, MD USA.   

As an Associate Director you will lead a team focused on bringing new ADC projects into the portfolio and advancing them through all stages of pre-clinical development. You will bring your theoretical and practical expertise to lead pipeline projects, establishing program priorities and working with a cross-functional team to deliver pre-clinical datasets to support pipeline progression. You will represent the team in front of governance committees and will present program updates at other internal forums.  You will also make intellectual contributions to programs across the ADC Portfolio and be an engaged people manager and mentor. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

• You will be expected to serve as Oncology biology lead for one or more pipeline programs, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure the timely generation and dissemination of critical program data to enable milestone progression decisions.  

• You will help set program strategy, and will be responsible for the delivery of key pre-clinical data that support a strong biological rationale for program progression. You will be encouraged to work independently and collaboratively, and effectively plan and coordinate work activities and prioritize task completion for yourself and direct reports 

• You will lead and mentor a team of direct reports 

• As a highly organized, self-motivated individual with a strong background in cancer biology, you will stay up to date with relevant technical and intellectual scientific expertise in tumor biology and cancer modelling, particularly as it relates to antibody drug conjugates, and have a genuine passion for this field of research.  

Required Skills:

• Ph.D. with 7+ years of research experience and 3+ years within the pharmaceutical industry. Clear demonstration of solving challenging problems in drug discovery and clear understanding of drug development involving biologics is vital. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional project teams. 

• Demonstrated management and leadership skills and a passion for mentorship 

• Strong knowledge of solid tumor cancers, in-vitro and in-vivo pre-clinical models of solid tumors, cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry in the context of cancer biology, with a strong desire for continued learning. 

• Works independently to compose and conduct key experiments to support program progression. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills and evidence of delivery in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. 

• A consistent record of efficiency, as shown by scientific publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals. 

• Ensures own work, and work of peers, is aligned with Good Laboratory Practice, Safety, Health, and Environment standards and all other relevant internal AstraZeneca standards and external regulations. 

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.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $142.377 to $213,566. 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.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will contribute to a bold mission to transform outcomes for people by advancing earlier detection and smarter, faster trials. You will operate at the intersection of innovative science and technology, backed by significant investment and an empowered, collaborative culture that brings clinicians, scientists, and data experts together to accelerate breakthroughs. We value kindness alongside ambition, giving you the trust, tools, and cross-functional partnerships to lead with confidence and shape studies that matter—so your decisions today translate into meaningful patient impact tomorrow.

Call to Action:

Step into this country leadership role to accelerate life-changing trials and turn bold science into result that matter—make your move and help shape what comes next.

Date Posted

08-Jul-2026

Closing Date

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.

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.