Executive Director, Search and Evaluation Oncology

AstraZeneca; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 229,000 - 344,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive bonuses

Equity awards

Commissions

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Health, dental & vision

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge, MA, is seeking an Executive Director, Search & Evaluation, Oncology R&D, to lead end-to-end deal-making and external-innovation scouting. You will partner with senior leaders to shape strategy, diligence, and execution, while building cross-functional teams across scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial dimensions.

The role requires a strong oncology science background, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and the ability to operate with urgency

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific or clinical background with oncology expertise.
• Experience evaluating and negotiating complex external opportunities.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional diligence and deal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific and strategic BD opportunities from engagement through execution.
• Partner with external organisations and transaction teams to shape terms.
• Maintain external network across academia, biotech, pharma, VC in oncology.
• Translate developments into actionable recommendations for Oncology R&D.
• Lead cross-functional evaluations across scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial factors.
• Develop executive-ready business cases for senior leadership and governance.
• Communicate complex topics with clear influence to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Oncology biology

Business development

Diligence leadership

Executive communication

Education

Advanced scientific qualification (BSc or above)

Tools

Financial modelling

AI tools

Job description

What if your next role helped eliminate cancer as a cause of death?

At AstraZeneca, our Oncology ambition is unparalleled. We’ve built and strategically acquired one of the most promising pipelines in the industry, driven by a bold vision to push the boundaries of science, change the practice of medicine, and ultimately eliminate cancer as a cause of death. You will be among inspiring oncology industry leaders who will empower you to be the best, joining teams with a shared sense of urgency to cure cancer and transform patients’ lives.

The Executive Director, Search & Evaluation, Oncology R&D, reports to the Vice President Head of Business Development in Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, with accountability for end-to-end deal‑making opportunities across the lifecycle, and has a direct impact on the success of the Oncology R&D strategy and portfolio.

This is a senior strategic leadership role at the heart of AstraZeneca’s Oncology R&D ambition. The Executive Director, Search & Evaluation, Oncology R&D proactively scouts external innovation to augment AstraZeneca Discovery, Early and Late Oncology R&D.

The successful candidate will have a strong R&D scientific and clinical background, proven project and people leadership, business and strategic acuity and interpersonal skills. In addition, the ability to engage and collaborate across organizational boundaries with an entrepreneurial demeanour by acting with urgency and agility.

Key accountabilities

• Lead the scientific and strategic aspects of business development opportunities from initial engagement through diligence, governance, negotiation and execution, maintaining momentum and accountability throughout.
• Act as a senior scientific partner to external organisations and transaction teams, shaping deal structures and terms that reflect the opportunity’s risks, value inflection points and intended development strategy.
• Maintain a strong external network and market perspective across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, venture capital and the wider oncology ecosystem, using emerging science, competitor intelligence and industry trends to inform portfolio decisions.
• Translate external developments into actionable recommendations for Oncology R&D, clearly articulating potential patient benefit, strategic fit, opportunity, risk and value.
• Lead appropriately scaled, cross-functional evaluations of external opportunities, integrating scientific, clinical, competitive, operational, commercial, financial, regulatory, legal and manufacturing considerations
• Develop clear, executive-ready assessments and business cases for senior leadership and governance bodies, enabling sound prioritisation of opportunities that strengthen the Oncology portfolio.
• Communicate complex scientific, strategic and transaction matters with clarity and influence, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the Oncology therapy area, Business Development, Corporate Development and other key functions.
• Role model and co-coach S&E colleagues and cross-functional contributors, promoting high standards of scientific rigour, collaboration, pace, inclusion and sound business judgement, and supporting effective transition to post-deal teams.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Advanced scientific or clinical qualification relevant to oncology, (BSc or above) with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Deep expertise in oncology biology, drug discovery and clinical development, with the ability to assess opportunities across disease areas, modalities and development stages.
• Extensive pharmaceutical or biotechnology business development experience, including identifying, evaluating, diligencing, structuring, negotiating and progressing complex transactions.
• Strong understanding of business development and transaction practices, including opportunity assessment, scientific and clinical diligence, business‑case development, governance, risk assessment, valuation considerations and negotiation.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional diligence and transaction teams, integrating scientific, clinical, strategic and commercial considerations into clear recommendations and appropriate deal terms.
• Executive‑level communication and influencing skills, including the ability to present concise, compelling recommendations and build trusted relationships across a global, highly matrixed organisation.
• Established credibility and network within the oncology biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, investment or venture communities.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Direct experience in Oncology Search and Evaluation, licensing, corporate development or a closely related external‑innovation role.
• Experience across a range of transaction structures, such as in‑licensing, acquisitions, options, research collaborations, co‑development, platform transactions or out‑licensing.
• Experience evaluating both early‑stage scientific opportunities and clinical‑stage oncology assets.
• Experience leading, coaching or developing high‑performing scientific or business development professionals.
• International experience, with a track record of building effective partnerships across cultures and regions.
• Familiarity with financial modelling, valuation and corporate‑finance principles relevant to pharmaceutical transactions.
• Experience using data science or artificial‑intelligence tools to support external‑innovation scouting, landscape assessment or opportunity evaluation.

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 for this position ranges from $229,151 to $343,727.

• short-term incentive bonuses
• equity-based awards for salaried roles
• commissions for sales roles

• qualified retirement programs
• paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)
• health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

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.