Principal Scientist/Director and Team Leader, Oncology Bioscience

Are you ready to lead the charge in small molecule drug discovery for oncology? As a Principal Scientist at AstraZeneca, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, driving projects within the Oncology Targeted Discovery department. With your expertise in cancer biology and drug discovery, you'll champion new scientific ideas and collaborate in a dynamic team environment to deliver groundbreaking oncology medicines. Your strategic insights will be pivotal in guiding department and site leadership, contributing to our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of human death.

Accountabilities:

Scientific Leadership:

• Report directly to the Head of Small Molecule Bioscience (US).
• Lead preclinical drug discovery from target identification to lead optimization and candidate nomination.
• This role will have a specific focus on solid cancer, specifically GI cancers.
• Serve as bioscience lead on drug discovery projects.
• Ensure effective communication and representation in multi-functional teams, supporting decision-making.
• The candidate in this role will partner with, and work closely with the UK SM Biosciences team, driving the delivery of SM Projects forward.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior team members in the Bioscience department.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners as a recognized scientific leader.
• Identify and apply new technologies and innovative approaches to improve the drug discovery processes.
• As a technical expert provide scientific advice across Discovery Research Area or Development disciplines.
• Encourage and reward innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the scientific community.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Ph. D. or M.Sc in a biology-related discipline, with > 8 years of proven experience in oncology drug discovery.
• Extensive industry experience in driving small molecule drug discovery project from conception to candidate nomination. Consistent track record in delivering clinical candidates and INDs.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence with a strong publication record.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive multiple projects, run cross-functional teams and influence key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience in hard-to-drug targets, transcription factors, and/or novel targeting approaches including induced proximity approaches.
• Strong project leadership skills and experience, track record in delivering projects to IND.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment.
• Proficiency with AI tools, adopting and implementing AI in modern-day drug discovery.
• Experience in mentoring junior scientists and team members.
• Deep understanding of emerging clinical landscape in solid cancers, with a focus on GI cancers, along with lung cancers, pancreatic cancers, breast and prostate cancers.

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. 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 AstraZeneca, we are driven by curiosity and courage, exploring what science can achieve. Our commitment to making a difference fuels our passion for innovation, as we fuse data and technology with scientific breakthroughs. We unite diverse knowledge from academia, biotechs, and industry to create swift impacts on disease. Here, lifelong learning thrives as we push boundaries to deliver life-changing medicines. Join us to be part of a team that impacts patients' lives globally.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey!

Date Posted

03-Sep-2025

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.