Director, External Scientific Engagement

Department:Biopharmaceutical Medical (BPM)Function: Biopharmaceutical Business Unit (BBU) 

Reports To: Head of External Scientific Engagement (ESE)

Location: Gaithersburg, USA or Boston, USA

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven BioPharmaceuticals business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious disease. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.

The External ScientificEngagement Directoris a strategic medical leader across the BioPharmaceuticalMedical (BPM) Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM) organization, who drives external partnerships with key external experts (KEEs) and scientific societies to improve healthcare delivery and patient care around the world.  The ESE Director is a key partner within and across brand / disease area teams, working cross functionally with strong communication skills to support the CVRM portfolio and addressing unmet medical needs through our CVRM external engagement strategies.  

Main duties and responsibilities: 

• Drive partnerships with scientific societies and healthcare system decision makers to improve healthcare delivery around the world, both from a brand specific and CVRM-wide perspective.

• Identify and lead strategic engagement plans with KEEs anddevelop expertswho can participate in global, regional and local medical activities outlined in the CVRM Strategic Plans.

• Work within the Medical affairs team todevelop and execute impactful medical education that includes new clinical evidence, RWE, and guideline recommendations to increase HCP confidence in our CVRM portfolio and improve patient outcomes. 

• Strategically driveexternal initiatives through grants and sponsorships that support patient engagement, disease state education, policy issues, that are aligned with franchise and business ambition. 

• Support clinical guideline mapping across the CVRM space, along with preparation and communication around key updates. 

The above outlines main responsibilities however they are not limited to these and may be adjusted depending on needs of the business. 

Minimum Requirements – Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s and advanced degree (MS, MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent) preferred

• Experience within the biopharmaceutical industry (ideally >5 years), within externally-facing or Medical Affairs positions

• Understanding of healthcare systems and experience in partnering and collaborating with external healthcare professionals and/or scientific societies

• Demonstrated track record in delivering new solutions and driving across cross functional teams

• Good scientific knowledge experience in CVRM diseases preferred

Skills

• Advanced organisational skills and ability to work in a highly matrix environment with ability to timelymanage multiple projects and manage many cross functional stakeholders

• Must exhibit leadership skills, ability to perform in fast paced environments and ability to influence without authority

• Proven ability to engage, influence and build effective relationships with KEEs, across functional and geographic boundaries to drive the Medical Educational strategy

• Understanding and ability to navigate the external healthcare system with KEEs, scientific societies, and healthcare professionals

• Enthusiastic, resilient, and flexible approach to work.  Able to think innovatively and operate without clear answers in place

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English with ability to present in front of external and internal stakeholders

• High ethical standards