Global Clinical Head- Executive Director

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 332,000 - 498,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a Global Clinical Head- Executive Director Infectious Disease to lead global clinical development for one or more Infectious Disease programs. This role combines medical leadership with cross‑functional collaboration to shape medical strategies, timelines, and regulatory planning.

The successful candidate will have MD, 10+ years in pharma, and a proven track record of leading multinational Phase 3 programs, regulatory submissions, and building

Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized school of medicine with an MD degree or equivalent.
• Clinical research expertise in Infectious Diseases and vaccines.
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry knowledge and experience.
• Experience in early and late stage program development and trial conduct.
• Ability to lead the development of a program strategy and be accountable for project plans, timelines, progress, and outcomes.
• Global regulatory submissions, interacting with major Health Authorities, and experience with regulatory document writing and filings (e.g., NDA/BLA submissions).
• Demonstrated ability leading and motivating teams in a matrix environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor physicians and clinical scientists.
• Significant hands‑on clinical drug development experience and scientific credibility.
• Developed/delivered in parallel, composed of multiple complex and large studies (multinational, pivotal Phase 3).
• Clinical experience as a practicing physician in hospital/clinic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate excellent cross‑functional collaborations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels of the organization in English.
• Must demonstrate high integrity.
• Office based at the Gaithersburg AstraZeneca site at least 3 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership for one or more global Infectious Disease products.
• Develop medical/scientific strategies for the clinical components of the TPP, CDP, and regulatory documents.
• Be the clinical voice on the Global Project Team overseeing Infection products.
• Collaborate across functions to ensure timely, high‑quality delivery of development programs.

Skills

Clinical research Infectious Diseases

Drug development

Program strategy leadership

Cross‑functional leadership

Mentoring physicians and scientists

Global regulatory submissions

Team leadership in matrix environment

Clinical trial program delivery

Communication in English

Clinical drug development

Advisory Boards coordination

Education

MD degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Description: Global Clinical Head- Executive Director Infectious Disease

Are you a clinical research expert ready for new opportunities? Would you like to play a pivotal role in the development of potential medicines? If you are passionate about being a medical leader for a cross-functional team in a group that drives action towards the improvement of global public health– join us! As Global Clinical Head you will have a unique opportunity to further elevate the Infectious Disease Therapy Area in one of the world’s most respected biopharmaceutical companies. The role holds a significant development opportunity for the successful candidate whilst contributing to the positive journey that AstraZeneca is on.

Accountabilities

The Global Clinical Head (GCH) will have overall clinical leadership of one or more global products in the Infectious Disease pipeline. The GCH is also responsible for medical/scientific strategies for the clinical components of the Target Product Profile (TPP), Clinical Development Plan (CDP), and regulatory documents (e.g., briefing documents, CTD/BLA, core labelling texts). Within the Clinical Project Team, the GCH has accountability for the clinical, scientific, and value content and delivery of the medical components for the program to time and quality. The GCH will be the team’s voice and representative on the Global Project Team that oversees the overall strategy of Infection products.

Essential Skills/Experience

Graduate of a recognized school of medicine with an MD degree or equivalent

• Demonstrated clinical research expertise in Infectious Diseases and vaccines
• At least 10 years of pharmaceutical industry knowledge and experience
• Experience in early and late stage program development and trial conduct
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development of a program strategy and be accountable for project plans, timelines, progress, and outcomes
• Global regulatory submissions, interacting with major Health Authorities, and experience with regulatory document writing and filings (e.g., NDA/BLA submissions, benefit/risk assessment)
• Demonstrated ability leading and motivating teams in a matrix environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor physicians and clinical scientists
• Significant hands‑on clinical drug development experience and scientific credibility
• Developed/delivered in parallel, composed of multiple complex and large studies (e.g., including but not limited to multinational, pivotal Phase 3 efficacy studies)
• Clinical experience as a practicing physician in the hospital and/or clinic setting
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate excellent cross‑functional collaborations
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels of the organization with excellent verbal and written communication skills (including giving presentations) in English
• Must demonstrate high integrity
• Organize and deliver Advisory Boards with international Key External Experts
• Demonstrated AI/digital mindset and experience applying AI‑enabled and generative AI tools to support clinical development activities (e.g., data analysis, medical writing, clinical trial operational efficiency)
• Be office based at the Gaithersburg AstraZeneca site at least 3 days a week

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Named Investigator on a number of clinical trials
• Regulatory affairs expertise with a major health authority
• Progressed compounds into first time in human Phase 1 studies and Phase 2 delivery of proof of principle studies
• Significant and consistent peer‑reviewed publication track record

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.

Why AstraZeneca?

We are a changemaker on the world stage at an exciting frontier of medicine. This is backed by deep knowledge and experience in our field. Building on this, we lead the way into the future with energy and drive. We are helping to transform healthcare and build pandemic preparedness to protect against future health crises and to bring lasting immunity to people around the globe. We are committed to our central role in addressing pandemic and endemic diseases and ensuring our products continue to reach and benefit millions of people around the world.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from USD 331,873.60 – 497,810.40. However, 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) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly 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 salary (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.

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.