Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Biologics Design & Technology
Location: Cambridge - UK (Granta Park / Cambridge Biomedical Campus) / Gaithersburg, MD - US
At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, pioneering ground-breaking methods and bringing cross-functional teams together!
We are looking to recruit an Executive Director of Biologics Design & Technology to lead our investments and teams in silico biologics design, bioinformatics and automation across AstraZeneca’s global Biologics Engineering department – responsible for biologics discovery across AstraZeneca’s therapeutic portfolio.
You will be responsible for leading our data strategy, next generation automation workflows and investments in silico biologics design. This is a unique opportunity to apply these pioneering fields of research to the creation of future medicines to foster our expanding clinical portfolio of biologics.
Your team will incorporate dedicated in silico design, automation and bioinformatics groups working together with our wider wet-lab capabilities and partners across AstraZeneca to reimagine our biologics data, design and discovery workflows through internal innovation as well as strategic external partnerships.
Main duties and responsibilities
You will lead a direct line of ~25 scientists across our UK & US sites focused on Augmented Biologics Design, Bioinformatics and Automation. You will also lead large matrix projects across AstraZeneca R&D incorporating colleagues across global AstraZeneca to implement next generation design and discovery workflows including de novo antibody design for AstraZeneca drug projects.
As a senior leader within our Biologics Engineering organisation, you will also have a significant role in leading both line and global matrix teams to maximise individual talents, as well as develop impactful teams by role modelling and leading by example. You will have a passion for scientific delivery and innovation, developing science and technology strategy, shaping the future of Biologics Engineering, and building trusted relationships within and outside our organisation. Meaningfully you will have a passion for translating technical innovation into biological medicines and impact for patients.
This opportunity enables you to work within a first-class biologics R&D environment to support medicine creation across all of AstraZeneca’s Therapeutic Areas. You will develop and maintain a high level of science and technology knowledge and continue to build world leading specialist expertise in biologics design and technology.
Essential requirements
- PhD in a relevant scientific subject area or equivalent experience
- Strong track record of implementing biologics design and discovery innovation, supported by publication record
- Strong understanding and track record of leadership in biologics discovery
- Proven ability to lead line organisations across multiple subject areas, cultures and geographies
- Demonstrable experience in workflow, process and method development related to next generation biologics design and discovery
- Demonstrable experience in applying automation, data curation, bioinformatics approaches and/or in silico design to biologics discovery projects
- Experience in leading biologics and technology projects and matrix management of diverse teams across different regions / time zones
- Track record of promoting, motivating and empowering others to accomplish individual, team and organisational objectives
- Initiates and successfully delivers value from external collaborations
- Represents AstraZeneca externally as an invited speaker at leading conferences
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain networks and excellent working relationships with scientific/leadership teams globally
Desirable requirements
- Experience in leading change management initiatives and engaging organisations in new ways of working
- Experience in complex project management and delivery
Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognising their potential. Interested? Come and join our journey!
What’s next
Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.
Where can I find out more
Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/
Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/
Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en
Next steps: Submit an application today, or connect with our Talent Acquisition Partner - Sam Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhunter1/ or Talent Scout, Ellen Willcox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-willcox-03a2b1/ for a confidential discussion to explore this opportunity further. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.