Director Clinical Scientist Oncology R&D

The Director Clinical Scientist is an important and visible member of the Clinical Development team, working collaboratively with the Clinical Lead. The Director Clinical Scientist will be responsible for scientific oversight, data integrity and quality of clinical trial(s) in support of the development strategy for programs within the Early-Stage Oncology portfolio. The role is the primary contact for internal and external stakeholders for clinical aspects of the protocol, supporting strategic development, providing final recommendations to senior management.

The Clinical Scientist may also provide expert input to process improvement initiatives, development of junior members of the team and provide strategic contributions to the global clinical scientist team, depending on the level of experience. As a key member of the Global Project Team, this position demands strong collaborative communication skills. You will need to connect with and influence a diverse range of collaborators both inside and outside AstraZeneca.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supports the clinical lead or in some instances serve as clinical lead of early phase program(s)
• Independently leads clinical execution of one or more studies. May be accountable for program level clinical deliverables.
• Leads development of the protocol, and associated amendment(s) ensuring high level of quality, and operational delivery. Partners with or support from Clinical Lead in governance review and approval process. Leads development, review or approval of key documents such as the Informed Consent Documents (ICD), Investigator Brochure, Investigators Letters, and safety documents.
• Leads the development of recommendations on strategies to internal committees

• Provides scientific/medical guidance to the study team, including the CRO team
• Reviews safety data, serious adverse events (SAE) reports, and authors or reviews safety or regulatory documents and updates them as required.   Tracks SAE and leads presentation of data during Safety Review Team meetings.
• Collaborates with research scientists and translational scientists to provide clinical input in crafting and evaluating data to support development of pre-clinical compound(s)
• Leads the development and review of content and quality of publications and inputs to development of the publication strategy
• Leads the examination and interpretation of clinical data at the study and program level. Author or reviews the Clinical Study Report including the review of narratives.
• Attends (in person or by TC) the Site Initiation Visits, to present the study design and key aspects of the protocol
• Leads the compilation and analysis of the data for and from the dose critical issue committee/safety review committee, in collaboration with the program physician
• Develops, builds and maintains investigator and site relationships to support site selection and study start up activities
• Represents the project internally and supports oncology drug development externally as a medical scientific expert with key external experts. Supports development of alliances as appropriate.

Required Skills

• Ph.D., PharmD or a Masters degree in a relevant Clinical or Biomedical field.
• 5 plus years of clinical drug development or medical research experience within a pharmaceutical/biotech or academic environment
• Oncology or immunology experience
• Advanced understanding of clinical practice across tumor types and how clinical practice is evolving with the introduction of new therapies. Understanding of cancel cell biology.
• Experience leading delivery and influencing at senior leadership levels both internally and externally
• Experience in working and leading in matrix teams
• Strong collaborative communications skills including the ability to engage with a diverse internal and external client base and lead through conflict
• Proven ability in problem solving and issues management that is solution focused
• Experience in collaborating externally in terms of clear requirements for collaborative contracts, influencing delivery and scientific engagement.

Desired Skills

• Effective communication, presentation and organizational skills to ensure coordinated and timely delivery of projects
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills
• Embraces Artificial Intelligence and other evolving technologies and adopts best practices aimed at improving efficiency and quality of clinical practice
• Proven team leadership experience in a clinical setting (2-3 years)
• Ability to work proactively and independently, organizational skills, prioritizes self and others.
• Ability to support and mentor junior team members

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel 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 daring world.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $203,709 to $305,564. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

Date Posted

03-Mar-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.