Baselga Cancer Research Scholar

AstraZeneca; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 132,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Canada is recruiting for the Baselga Cancer Research Scholar, a two-year program designed for early-career oncologists. You will rotate through key oncology functions, gaining exposure to early and late clinical development with mentorship from senior experts.

The role emphasizes patient safety, data interpretation and cross‑functional collaboration, concluding in a longitudinal research project and possible publication.

Qualifications

• MD or equivalent required; board certification preferred in Oncology or Haematology/Oncology.
• 0-5 years of experience in molecular oncology and/or translational science.
• Ability to lead in a cross‑functional, fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as medical director with primary responsibility for patient safety and trial conduct.
• Design and approve scientific methods for clinical protocols and data collection.
• Contribute to development plans and strategy for oncology compounds or indications.
• Collaborate with preclinical and translational science teams and senior management.
• Participate in CRO selection and management; supervise project team members.
• Plan investigator meetings, advisory boards and other scientific committees.
• Engage in rotational program across patient safety, clinical ops, regulatory affairs, biostatistics, medical affairs, translational medicine.
• Lead a longitudinal research project to present findings to stakeholders and publish where applicable.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Clinical leadership

Education

MD or equivalent

Board certification preferred

Oncology/Haematology specialization

Job description

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

Baselga Cancer Research Scholar

It is critical that we build and maintain our rich tradition of clinical expertise in support of developing life-changing medicines for patients.” –Jose Baselga

The Baselga Cancer Research Scholars Program, initiated in 2020, is a 2-year immersive education and research program for early-career Oncologists who are inspired by science and by how clinical development has the potential to transform patient care. As part of a competitively selected cohort of Scholars, you will join an accelerated development track within Oncology R&D. With individualized mentorship, there is opportunity to learn from a diverse group of experts across the drug development continuum, playing a pivotal role in channelling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. Selected Scholars will join the current cohort of Baselga Cancer Research Scholars, building a vibrant community of drug developers. We are currently recruiting for the 2027 class with an aim to start the position in summer‑autumn 2027.

About AstraZeneca Oncology Research & Development

Our Oncology strategy is built with one goal in mind – pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. We have a passion for discovery and a broad pipeline of next‑generation medicines, and together with a focus on execution excellence, we aim to expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients with solid and haematological cancers. We’re pioneering innovative research across six scientific platforms: Tumor drivers and resistance; Immuno‑oncology, DNA damage response, Antibody drug conjugates, Epigenetics and Cell therapies.

Our ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. It’s our big vision that unites and inspires us. With multiple indications and high‑quality molecules at all stages of our innovative pipeline, we keep pushing forward. Focusing on cutting‑edge science with the latest technology to achieve breakthroughs. AZ is a place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes.

What You’ll Do

The 2027 AZ Baselga Cancer Research Scholars cohort will join AstraZeneca at a time of tremendous growth and acceleration in the oncology biologics portfolio. Working in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment you will experience increasing levels of responsibility, following a structured learning plan in the following domains:

• Clinical Study Assignment: You will join a clinical study team and build experience as a medical leader in clinical development which could be in Early Clinical Development, Late Clinical Development, or one year in each. You will participate in weekly clinical and scientific meetings related to your clinical study, complete AstraZeneca training programs and participate in internal and external scientific meetings. You will work in a cross functional environment, contributing to and supporting Department/Clinical initiatives to improve the quality and content of all clinical programs as well as the cross functional/organization processes designed to effectively deliver our R&D portfolio.

Specific duties and major responsibilities for the longitudinal medical project may include any of the following:

• Serving as medical director with primary responsibility for patient safety and conduct of assigned trials as well as overall data interpretation and safety surveillance
• Establishing and approving scientific methods for design and implementation of applicable clinical protocols, data collection systems, and final reports
• Assisting in design of clinical development plans and overall strategy for compounds, therapeutic classes of compounds or indications in light of developments in the area of clinical and pharmaceutical oncology
• Collaborating with pre‑clinical and translational sciences, and senior management in assessing requirements for emerging products
• Participating in the selection and management activities of CROs
• Supervising project team members in planning, conducting and evaluating clinical trials
• Planning and managing investigator meetings, advisory boards and other scientific committees
• Rotational program: During the course of your program, you will be involved in 3-6 month long rotations across various groups to gain a better understanding of the cross‑functional departments. This could include:
  • Patient safety
  • Clinical operations
  • Regulatory affairs
  • Biostatistics
  • Medical affairs
  • Translational medicine or precision medicine
• Longitudinal Research Project: You will have opportunity to lead an innovative research project of your choosing for the duration of the 2‑year program, which may be an area of special interest to you and AstraZeneca, or alternatively focus on one or more of the rotational functions. You will be able to harness rich internal datasets and expertise, aiming to deliver a research project at the end of the Program which will be presented to key internal stakeholders, at a key scientific meeting and published in a peer‑reviewed journal.

Essential For The Role

• MD or equivalent required; ideally board certified (or eligible) preferred in Oncology or Haematology/Oncology
• 0-5 years of experience in molecular oncology and/or translational science

Highly Desirable For The Role

• Experience in molecular oncology and/or translational science
• Medical specialty and sub‑specialty training and Board Certification
• Excellent oral and written skills, strong interpersonal and listening skills
• Results driven to achieve creative and sound outcomes
• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to interact collaboratively in a cross‑functional environment.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions; agile in learning and action oriented
• High level of emotional intelligence; able to deal with ambiguity
• Able to relate to varied level audiences across the organization; able to set priorities for team and maintain accountability; skilled in negotiating organizational boundaries and hierarchy; able to build effective teams

This role is open from 7th September, we welcome with your application no later than 16th October 2026.

Where can I find out more?

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Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

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• Learn more about working with us in Canada
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AstraZenecais an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by [e-mail].

Annual base salary for this position ranges from 131,520.80 to 172,621.05.

AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job‑related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs. In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances.

In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity‑based long‑term incentive program (if applicable to role). Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program.