Associate Director, OBU Strategy

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 193,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid leaves

Job summary

AstraZeneca’s Oncology Business Unit (OBU) invites an Associate Director, OBU Strategy, to shape strategic direction across early and late-stage development. You will collect and analyze data from internal and external sources, delivering insights to guide investments and portfolio decisions.

Your work will underpin long-term strategy and require collaboration with scientific teams and senior leaders. Expect moderate global travel and a fast-paced, impactful environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of pharma/biopharma industry experience.
• Experience with oncology drug development and clinical data concepts.
• Proven ability to perform market assessments, forecasting, and asset valuation.

Responsibilities

• Lead data collection and analysis to inform project strategies and investments.
• Deliver market assessments, revenue forecasts, and asset valuations.
• Support development of oncology-focused data tools and platforms.
• Build credible arguments and influence senior stakeholders with evidence.

Skills

pharma/biopharma experience

oncology drug development

clinical data & trial design

global pipeline strategy

data-driven decision making

data/tools in bio-pharma

healthcare market understanding

influence without authority

multitasking in fast-paced environment

strategic planning (short & long term)

Education

BA/BS degree

PhD in life sciences (preferred)

Job description

Join AstraZeneca’s Oncology Business Unit (OBU) in a role where strategy meets scientific ambition. As an Associate Director, OBU Strategy, you will assist in the creation and implementation of strategies to deliver an exciting and innovative oncology pipeline. You will drive the collection of meaningful, timely, and accurate data from a wide range of internal and external sources and perform detailed analyses. Your analysis and strategic advice will drive the long‑term strategy for projects across early and late‑stage development and will be the foundation for investment decisions.

Accountabilities

• Lead the collection and analysis of data to inform project strategies and investment decisions across all stages of development
• Deliver detailed market assessments, revenue forecasts, and asset valuations using market research and competitor insights
• Support ongoing development of proprietary oncology focused data tools and platforms to convey opportunity and risk assessments
• Build strong relationships, challenge ideas constructively, and drive impactful decision‑making based on scientific evidence

To achieve this, it is critical you possess strong consultative and communication skills; as well as the ability to formulate cohesive strategic arguments and respectfully challenge a group of experts. This requires effective stakeholder and relationship management skills with the ability to interact and build trusted relationships. A strong scientific background and strategic analytical skills are critical for success in the role.

The role may require moderate global travel (Medical congress, Advisory boards and key internal meetings).

Essential Skills/Experience

• BA/BS degree
• 5+ years of experience working in the pharma/biopharma industry or related fields
• Familiar with the oncology drug development process and necessary scientific, commercial and strategic considerations
• Understanding of clinical data and clinical trial design
• Proven experience in pharmaceutical industry or consulting in which you have contributed to the global pipeline strategy e.g. market assessment, competitor analysis, forecasting
• Analysis and fact‑based decision‑making
• Working with data and/or a science research/ bio‑pharmaceutical environment
• Understanding of general business and core marketing principles and application to future healthcare market challenges
• Able to influence without authority and establish and maintain credibility with senior audiences
• Resourceful, motivated, decisive and proactive; must be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑growing organization
• Experience of setting up short‑and long‑term strategic plans
• Highly intellectually capable with agility and adaptability
• Motivated by working in a fast‑paced field with clear societal impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Educated to PhD level in life sciences

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $193,281.60 - $289,922.40 USD annual. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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 (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). 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 pay (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?

Join a highly valued, strategic team that is fundamental in realizing the potential of our life‑changing medicines. It’s through our work that AstraZeneca is able to ensure the right access is provided to our transformative medicines. Working with new drugs, new digital approaches and ever‑changing environments, it’s crucial that we remain flexible and on top of the detail. Running, thinking and acting fast to make smart decisions and get the right medicines to patients at the right time. We’re pioneering Market Access innovations: this is the place to unlock opportunities and feed our love for the challenge. United by an unrivalled passion for patients and science and always performing at the top of our game.

Date Posted

17-Aug-2026

Closing Date

31-Aug-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.