Director, Innovative Research Methods

Join the NextGen Sciences team, within AstraZeneca Global Medical Affairs, Oncology Evidence Generation to Publications (EG2P) organization as a Director, Global Oncology RWD Platform, including the AZ Partnerships

in Oncology Leveraging real wOrld evidence (APOLLO) platform.

APOLLO is a key EG2P initiative to build out next generation capabilities and access to global real world data assets to inform and support future evidence generation needs across our oncology portfolio. We're looking for a multidimensional individual who can:

• Drive the creation and maintenance of this multi-asset environment, including management of existing data partners to ensure timelines and data quality requirements are met for initial data delivery
• Identification and feasibility assessment of potential data partners to ensure fit for purpose for APOLLO’s current and potential future needs
• Development of standard operating procedures and/or ways of working, and
• Aligning on use cases for the EG2P team to leverage this new internal asset for evidence or insights generation

This role is a phenomenal opportunity to contribute to the AZ oncology portfolio by providing access to new sources of real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in key tumour types across the globe.

The Director, Global Oncology RWD Platform will be a key contributor in the development and maintenance of a new platform for global oncology real world data to support the generation of timely and impactful real-world evidence across the AstraZeneca oncology portfolio.

Typical Accountabilities:

• Create and execute strategies that drive the implementation of APOLLO, ensuring availability of timely and meaningful data to support AZ’s global oncology real world evidence needs.
• Support internal and external partner by providing a common data model to enable generation of consistent RWD across different data partners and/or platforms.
• Manage relationships with external data partners to ensure timely delivery of high-quality data for APOLLO
• Collaborate closely with internal global cross-functional stakeholders, including broader Evidence Generation to Publications team, IT, Research & Development RWE team, and regional / local access / HEOR teams to ensure APOLLO is fit for purpose across multiple programs and use cases.
• In collaboration with Oncology Outcomes Research (O2R) and Centre for Oncology Data Excellence (CODE) teams, develop business processes for APOLLO data acquisition, management, and utilization.
• Identify optimal methods for compliant data access within AZ’s Evidence Generation to Publications (EG2P), and other internal AZ teams, to support RWE generation in a timely manner.
• Be a thought partner to optimize data access in projects led by Oncology Outcomes Research (O2R) or Centre for Oncology Data Excellence (CODE) teams.
• Ensure that all Medical and business activities are carried out in compliance with AZ standards, standard operating procedures, and external regulations.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential requirements:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within or with the pharmaceutical industry with proven track record of working with oncology real world data.
• Minimum of BS degree in any science related field
• Strong understanding of data curation methods related to real world data collection.
• Proven track record of leveraging both structured and unstructured RWD, and utilization of common data models to assist in organization / utilization of complex data.
• Deep understanding of the impacts of varying inclusion / exclusion criteria, and data structure, on the ability for collected RWD to support different use cases.
• Ability to be creative and collaborate on innovative research methods for conducting research.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly around utilization of RWD
• Understanding of research methods for real world evidence generation.
• Travel-10%.

Desirable requirements:

• MS / PhD in relevant scientific subject area (e.g. HEOR, RWE, biostatistics, epidemiology).
• Scientific and business expertise in oncology real world data with a strong understanding of key global and regional issues and concerns.
• Familiarity with the latest research and thinking, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for assisting in data collection and/or evidence generation.
• Extensive knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory expectations. ·
• Operational expertise in risk management and prioritisation.
• Effective problem and conflict resolution skills and validated team focus.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $193,000 to $289,000. 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.

Date Posted

23-Mar-2026

Closing Date

06-Apr-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.

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.