Director, Rare Disease Cell Therapy

This is what you will do:

Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing life-changing therapies for people living with rare disorders. The Director of Cell Therapy will be a senior role in the Genomic Medicine & Cell Therapy organization in Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. The successful applicant will contribute to developing  Alexion’s strategy for cell therapy of rare diseases through collaboration with the broader leadership in Research at Alexion and AstraZeneca. He/she will also work in partnership with Business Development to identify and evaluate  in-licensing opportunities.

The successful candidate will have a record of achievement in the development of cell therapies and a strong scientific background in immunology and autoimmunity. The candidate will also be able to lead cross-functional collaborations.  

You will be responsible for:

• Leading Alexion’s cell therapy team in the  development, and implementation of high-quality in vitro and in vivo pharmacology assays to evaluate the activities, mechanisms of action, and efficacy of potential cell therapy programs
• Working cross-functionally (internally and externally) to design and implement a next generation cell therapy platform for the treatment of rare diseases
• Representing Alexion in the enterprise’s broad efforts in cell therapy and contributing to the strategic direction of cell therapy programs.
• Acting as the internal subject matter expert for cell therapy by staying informed on the latest developments (technologies and methodologies) to advance the research programs
• Participating in Alexion’s business development meetings, scientific advisory board meetings and scientific conferences by presenting and critically evaluating the science 
• Informing the hiring strategy to build, and lead a dynamic laboratory-based team of scientists to ideate and evaluate novel cell therapy programs

You will need to have:

• An advanced degree (PhD) with a minimum of 8-years' experience in cell therapy research and development.
• Minimum of 4-years of management experience preferably in a biopharmaceutical organization
• Knowledge of drug development, the various stages of program transitions and the supporting data required for the transitions
• Strong track record of cell therapy expertise as evidenced by scientific publications and/or patents
• Expertise in immunology and autoimmune diseases with a wide range of cell therapy related in vivo and in vitro pharmacology techniques
• Strong leadership abilities, line management experience, and an ability to bring together diverse skill sets to form a cohesive team
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including cross-functional collaborative and communication skills
• Ability to prepare technical reports, publications and oral presentations

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.