Global Clinical Program Lead, Cell Therapy, Late Development Oncology

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 288,000 - 432,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, United States, is seeking a Global Clinical Program Lead to steer late-stage cell therapy programs for prostate cancer. You will shape study design, oversee conduct and interpretation, and drive data to define benefit-risk and labeling decisions.

You will collaborate with study physicians, clinical scientists and external partners to keep the program competitive and deliver real-world impact. In-person work is typical, with flexibility to balance office days.

Qualifications

• MD or life science-based degree.
• Significant clinical research experience in cell therapy.
• Experience leading clinical studies and programs.
• Knowledge of biostatistics, regulatory environment and pharmacovigilance.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery and interpretation of assigned clinical studies; ensure ethical and scientific integrity.
• Set vision and goals for the program; own deliverables and risk mitigation.
• Drive Phase II–IV trial delivery; ensure timelines and budgets.
• Engage regulators, ethics committees, investigators and alliance partners.
• Generate rigorous scientific analyses to inform program decisions.

Job description

are you ready to steer late‑stage cell therapy programs that can redefine outcomes for patients with prostate cancer? This is a chance to transform cutting‑edge science into decisive clinical evidence that informs regulators, payers and clinicians around the world.

You will lead a significant portion of a complex, indication‑aligned cluster of studies within a prostate cancer cell therapy program. Partnering with study physicians and clinical scientists, you will shape study design, oversee conduct and monitoring, and drive data interpretation to determine the benefit–risk profile, intended label and global value proposition. Can you translate novel biology into pivotal trials that withstand regulatory scrutiny and deliver real‑world impact?

Working across diverse expert teams and external partners, you will co‑lead product and study strategy, set a clear vision, and enable timely decisions. You will leverage innovative tools—from biomarkers to advanced trial designs—to keep our program competitive and to bring transformative therapies to patients sooner.

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.

Accountabilities

• Clinical Program Leadership: Set vision and goals for the assigned portion of the program aligned to enterprise and product strategy; own Clinical Program Team deliverables; prioritize clinical activities and enable forward‑looking risk mitigation to accelerate milestones and maintain competitive advantage.


• Study Design and Decision‑Making: Serve as the single‑point accountable leader for the design, delivery and interpretation of assigned clinical studies; ensure ethical and scientific integrity; contribute to target product profile, clinical plans and labelling decisions, often as a delegate of the Global Clinical Head.


• Trial Delivery and Oversight: Drive hands‑on delivery for Phase II–IV studies; collaborate seamlessly with global R&D colleagues; identify risks early and implement mitigation to keep trials on time, on budget and inspection‑ready; when required and medically qualified, act as Study Physician.


• External Engagement and Regulatory Interface: Represent the company with regulators, ethics committees, investigators and alliance partners; provide clear, credible clinical responses; build trusted relationships with AROs/CROs and international collaborators; apply strategic intent in interactions with authorities, payers and key external experts.


• Scientific Analysis and Evidence Generation: Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant literature; deliver balanced, statistically robust analyses to inform program decisions; proactively generate scientific questions and lifecycle opportunities that create value for the asset.


• Cross‑Functional Ways of Working: Rapidly implement new processes and systems; promote proactive, solution‑oriented behaviors across sub‑teams; enable quick and effective troubleshooting; coach team members to build future talent and high‑performing matrix teams; act as PSO lead or delegate for sign‑off responsibilities.


• Ethics and Compliance: Uphold the highest ethical standards; ensure compliance with internal SOPs, Good Clinical Practice, and global/local regulations; when not medically qualified, exercise sound judgment to refer specific medical queries to the designated physician.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Graduate of a recognized school of medicine with an M.D. degree or equivalent or a life science‑based degree.


• Prior experience in cell therapy.


• Significant (>5 years) clinical research expertise in relevant therapy area in study design, protocol development, monitoring and implementing clinical trials, interpreting and reporting trial results.


• Proven track record of successful clinical delivery with demonstrated examples of strategic influence to clinical studies/programs.


• Explores positions and alternatives to reach agreements and solutions; presents clear arguments to gain acceptance of ideas and influences outcomes to meet organizational objectives.


• Good knowledge of biostatistics, Clinical Development, global regulatory environment and pharmacovigilance and working knowledge of medical affairs and payer environment.


• Proven cross‑functional teamwork and collaboration skills.


• Excellent presentation skills; can communicate effectively with internal and external collaborators.


• A clear demonstration of behaviours: Demonstrates AstraZeneca values and Behaviours.


• Agile responsiveness to scientific data; credible in scientific and commercial environments.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• PhD (or other complementary degree) in a scientific discipline.


• Good general medical knowledge.


• Experience from different organizations.


• An understanding of pharmaceutical industry R&D, particularly of major clinical milestones and of the factors which influence drug development.


• An understanding of the interplay between clinical, commercial objectives, drug safety and regulatory requirements.


• Line management experience.


• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor junior physicians/scientists.


• Demonstrated ability leading and motivating teams in a matrix environment.


• Prior experience in prostate cancer and in early development/translational studies.

Why AstraZeneca

Here you will lead late‑stage programs powered by an expanding toolkit of advanced modalities and biotechnology, working in close partnership with diverse experts who move quickly from idea to action. We combine deep scientific rigor with innovative trial approaches, data‑rich decision‑making and true collaboration—putting unexpected teams together to spark bold thinking that drives patient impact. Your leadership will shape global strategy, inform labels and access, and help transform how cancer is treated. We value kindness alongside ambition and provide the platform, data and partnerships you need to deliver breakthroughs that matter.

Lead a pivotal chapter in cell therapy for prostate cancer—bring your clinical vision and delivery excellence to create measurable patient impact now.

The annual base pay ranges from $288.059 - 432,088. 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.

This Global Clinical Program Lead role is posted in Gaithersburg, United States, although we are willing to consider candidates in these Late Oncology locations: Mississauga, Canada; Warsaw, Poland; Barcelona, Spain; Cambridge, UK; Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City, New York.

Date Posted

11‑Sept‑2026

Closing Date

24‑Sept‑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.