Head of Antibody Drug Conjugates, Biologics Engineering

Head of Antibody Drug Conjugates, Biologics Engineering

Locations: Gaithersburg, MD/Waltham, MA

Are you a visionary in drug development with a passion for pioneering new biologics? Biologics Engineering is seeking a highly accomplished and innovative drug developer to join our team as a Head of Antibody Drug Conjugates. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of our Antibody Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates therapeutics pipeline. Your expertise in protein engineering, bioconjugation, and nextgeneration ADC platform technologies will be instrumental in driving the development of the AstraZeneca portfolio of life changing medicines.

We are seeking a recognized leader and subject matter expert with a proven track record of contribution to the ADC clinical pipeline. Your role will involve spearheading the advancement of cutting-edge technologies, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring operational excellence to propel our next generation ADCs and RCs to new heights. If you are ready to make a profound impact on the future of targeted biologics drug delivery, we invite you to
apply for this compelling opportunity at our state-of-the-art laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD.

What you will do

• Establish strategy, direction, and objectives for the development of nextgeneration ADC technologies
• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to a diverse team of scientists responsible for a robust ADC and RC biotherapeutics portfolio
• Drive innovation in ADC and RC across oncology and other therapeutic areas
• Act as a subject matter expert in Protein Engineering/Bioconjugation for targeted delivery modalities
• Represent Biologics Engineering in cross-functional collaborations to accelerate the discovery of groundbreaking medicines
• Ensure the delivery of a rich pipeline of drug candidates and other Biologics Engineering organizational priorities
• Foster a culture of transparency, innovation, and creativity, leading to new opportunities for the company and creation of intellectual property
• Partner with Business Development to pursue investments that enhance Biologics Engineering strategy
• Maintain a high degree of awareness of internal and external technology developments in the targeted delivery space
• Manage priorities, resources, growth, and investments aligned with the Biologics Engineering strategy
• Attract and develop talent to strengthen the team

Basic Requirements:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering or related scientific discipline
• 10+ year of experience in building and leading high-performing ADC and Protein Engineering teams:
• Proven ability to think strategically, act decisively, collaborate
  effectively and drive team performance
• Extensive track record of advancing numerous ADC therapeutics from discovery to the clinic, contributing to the pipeline of Big Pharma or major Biotech
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in next-generation ADC platform technologies, protein and linker engineering, site-specific conjugation, novel warhead development, and utilization of diverse formats such as traditional and bispecific antibodies, fragments, and different protein scaffolds
• Strong external reputation as an industry leader, evidenced by high-impact
  publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement
• Deep expertise in all aspects of ADC design, non-clinical characterization, and manufacturing
• Ability to advance projects against accelerated timelines, define clear go/no-go decision points, with a sharp focus on execution
• Exceptional communication skills, highly effective in interacting with key internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated passion for, and a track record of talent recruitment and development

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $208,389-$312. 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. 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. 

Why AstraZeneca:

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.

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. 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 ambitious world.

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.