Senior Director, Transactions - Oncology R&D

Senior Director, Business Development Transactions - Oncology R&D

This position offers the flexibility to be based in: Gaithersburg, MD or Waltham, MA

Do you want to be at the cutting-edge of innovation that will lead to a cure for cancer? At AstraZeneca, our team is working to make this a reality by bringing together our world-leading oncology pipeline with emerging innovations and technologies.

We are seeking a scientifically minded leader who is passionate about innovation in Oncology to join AstraZeneca’s Oncology R&D Business Development Transactions team. AstraZeneca has grown to be a leader in Oncology through bold decisions in both our internal pipeline as well as business development. We aim to expand our leadership by leveraging external innovation and building strong scientific networks.

The Senior Director, Transactions, Oncology R&D, is a role within the Strategy, Business Development & Alliances organization at AstraZeneca, where this person will support global business development and transactions and have a direct impact on the success of the Oncology R&D strategy and portfolio.

The Transactions team is responsible for all aspects of transaction, including defining of deal structure, term-sheets, financial analysis, deal execution and communication. By effectively structuring, presenting and implementing deals, this person will enable enterprise level investment in growth and innovation to ensure that Oncology R&D science, capabilities and project portfolio are fit for future challenges and opportunities.

This individual will support discovery biologics as well as other discovery and development focused areas. The role will also support precision medicine needs including new biomarker technologies, digital pathology, and companion diagnostic needs in oncology.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for future success of Oncology R&D by leading assigned transactions to enrich AstraZeneca’s capabilities through external innovation in precision/translational medicine, emerging technologies and platforms.
• Lead, coordinate and implement transactional activities, including: collaborations partnerships and alliances.
• Contribute to the business development strategy within biomarker discovery, clinical trial needs and Companion Diagnostic/Diagnostic programs in conjunction with Search and Evaluation, functional and clinical development leadership.
• Manage, as appropriate, the deal negotiation and closure
• Collaborate with the deal Search & Evaluation lead in preparing and communicating the transactional aspects of deal propositions to relevant senior governance bodies
• Ensure effective transition to alliance management of post-deal matters
• As required, prepare activity and achievement reports for senior management
• Build a deep external network with biotech, venture and peer pharma network and ensure presence, exposure and positive relationship building across the innovation ecosystem
• Meaningfully contribute to BD team mission for AZ to be regarded as partner of choice

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• 5+ years in life sciences industry
• Experience and background working in a business development, licensing or commercial business role for a Precision Medicine, In vitro Diagnostics or pharmaceutical industry
• Strong oncology deal sheet including transaction leadership experience across various technology areas, including successful closure of multiple significant license or collaboration transactions as transaction lead.
• Demonstrated extensive and successful track record of establishing partnering or licensing contracts within diagnostic, medical device or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience and success within other biotech/pharmaceutical/precision medicine and/or diagnostic companies, with biomarker research is preferred
• Working knowledge of Companion Diagnostics development and applicable knowledge of Diagnostics guidelines and regulations is required
• Experience working in a corporate, global or regional marketing role involving diagnostic or medical device products/services, preferably with companion diagnostics
• Broad knowledge of oncology disease areas, drug development activities and commercial processes within the pharmaceutical industry. Strong intellectual capabilities; likely to hold a postgraduate qualification.
• Excellent ability to establish and act on priorities
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to contribute to and fully understand the complex architecture of contracts, scientific and financial evaluations.
• An excellent communicator with experience of interacting effectively across multi disciplines internally and with extensive experience of interacting effectively with third parties including senior representatives of peer companies.
• Capable of representing AZ at external partnering events. Comfortable with interactions with Banks, VC companies and other relevant third parties.
• Capable of making effective decisions, acting courageously and communicating with conviction and inspiration at all levels.

Desired Qualification:

• Advanced degree in relevant field

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 is 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.

So, what’s next?

A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline.

If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we are keen to hear 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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.