Baselga Cancer Research Scholar

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

AstraZeneca Oncology Research & Development is recruiting for the 2027 Baselga Cancer Research Scholars cohort. This 2-year immersive program is for early-career oncologists, offering mentorship, structured learning across clinical development, and rotations through cross-functional groups to build leadership and translational expertise.

You will participate in clinical study teams, design and oversee trial safety, and lead a longitudinal research project with opportunities to present at major

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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 across 3–6 month rotations to gain cross-functional understanding
• Leading an innovative longitudinal research project during the 2-year program

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Leadership ability

Education

MD or equivalent

Board Certification (Oncology/Haematology)

Job description

"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

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $184,674.40 to $277,011. 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.

So, what’s next?

Complete your application before the below closing date. This role is open from 7th September, we welcome with your application no later than 16th October 2026.

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Date Posted

09-Sept-2026

Closing Date

15-Oct-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.