Associate Director, Oncology Targeted Discovery

AstraZeneca; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site research hub

Collaborative culture

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge, MA seeks an Associate Director in Oncology Targeted Discovery to lead a team advancing cancer biology projects from target identification through early drug discovery, with a focus on translating biology into medicines.

The role requires senior leadership, deep oncology expertise, and proven ability to mentor scientists while collaborating with cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years industry experience in biology/oncology or related field; OR Masters with 10+ years industry experience.
• Experience leading or overseeing in vitro studies for human tumor cell biology.
• Strong background in cancer biology, cell signaling, and molecular biology.
• Experience analyzing large datasets and generating testable hypotheses from analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead Oncology Targeted Discovery programs from target discovery through early drug development.
• Oversee design and execution of in vitro assays and data interpretation to support mechanism of action studies.
• Mentor and manage a team of scientists with diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to accelerate project timelines and deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Oncology biology

Data analysis

AI in drug discovery

Team management

Effective communication

Education

PhD in Biology/Oncology

MS in Biology (alternative)

Tools

In vitro assays

High-content imaging

mRNA/protein expression assays

Job description

Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Director with strong scientific, managerial, and strategic experience in oncology research to join our team in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. As an Associate Director in Oncology Targeted Discovery within the Oncology R&D Department, you will be a key leader of a team focused on supporting oncology projects through the drug discovery process. You will bring your theoretical and practical expertise in cancer biology to discover medicines that will have direct impact on the future of targeted cancer therapeutics. If you want a chance to have a direct impact on the next generation of cancer therapies, this is the role for you.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD with 6+ years of industry research experience in Biology, Oncology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or related scientific area
• OR Masters degree and 10+ years of industry research experience in Biology, Oncology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or related scientific area
• Experience in industry or academia developing, executing, and/or overseeing in vitro studies for the analysis of human tumor cell biology (e.g. cell culture, cell signaling bioassays, high-content imaging, cell death measurement, live-cell reporters, and mRNA/protein expression assays in primary or cell line cultures). Demonstrated track record of delivering data towards mechanism of action studies for cancer therapeutics, and planning and executing assay cascades to support early drug development.
• Strong background and experience in cancer biology, cell biology, genetics, cell signaling, and molecular biology
• Depth of understanding of solid tumor and hematology cancer models and clinical landscape
• In depth knowledge of molecular biology, including assessment of intracellular signaling, generation of cell-based reporter assays, experience with genetic perturbation technologies (siRNA/shRNA/overexpression), and generation and analysis of transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic data
• Experience successfully analyzing and interpreting large datasets and generating testable hypotheses from these analyses
• Demonstrated self-starter with ability to work well independently and to collaborate with teams with diverse background and expertise, to execute assigned tasks in a manner consistent with project goals
• Track record of successful team management skills, preferably with multiple years’ experience managing multiple direct reports
• Interpersonal and communication skills required to identify key scientific questions arising from diverse scientific areas, and present effectively to broad audiences, both within and outside of your immediate team. Ability to report and communicate data to leadership in a clear and concise manner, with a comprehensive understanding of its implications within the overall context of drug discovery.
• Demonstrated experience incorporating AI tools into your scientific reasoning and workflows, validating ideas generated by AI, and building and implementing AI agents to accelerate drug discovery efforts
• Creative problem-solving skills, with independent initiative to address complex scientific questions. Track record of contributing novel ideas, both technical and strategic, to advance projects and aid in the success of team members and colleagues whenever possible
• A passion for leadership, mentorship, and personal and professional growth
• An innate curiosity to learn more about cancer biology and cutting-edge cancer therapeutic modalities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience successfully leading industry drug discovery programs, from target discovery to candidate drug nomination is strongly preferred
• Direct experience working on, and deep knowledge of the mechanism of action of, targeted therapies such as antibody drug conjugates. Experience with biologics and small molecule programs.
• Data science training and implementation to enable project progression
• Experience successfully guiding projects through governance interactions with key stakeholders

About our Cambridge, MA, USA site:

Our newly opened global research hub in the heart of Kendall Square, in Cambridge, MA, brings the best and brightest colleagues, technologies, and amenities to the research done at AstraZeneca. The site brings together diverse scientific and operational disciplines under one roof, and boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, office spaces, and collaboration spaces. This includes balconies on each floor, fully VC-enable conference rooms, flexible work set-ups in all office spaces, in-house café and dining options, and panoramic views of Cambridge and Boston. Our new site sits at the nexus of the biotech and academic research hub of Boston/Cambridge and enables deep connections to the broader community committed to a better understanding of, and discovery of novel treatments for, devastating diseases impacting millions of patients around the world. 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.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $142,377 to $213,566. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives - an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will contribute to a bold mission to transform outcomes for people by advancing earlier detection and smarter, faster trials. You will operate at the intersection of innovative science and technology, backed by significant investment and an empowered, collaborative culture that brings clinicians, scientists, and data experts together to accelerate breakthroughs. We value kindness alongside ambition, giving you the trust, tools, and cross-functional partnerships to lead with confidence and shape studies that matter - so your decisions today translate into meaningful patient impact tomorrow.

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.