Global Clinical Program Lead, Hematology

AstraZeneca plc; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 288,000 - 432,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is hiring a Global Clinical Program Lead (Hem / Hematology) to drive the clinical development strategy for multiple projects. The role requires MD and 7+ years of drug development experience, with strong Hematology/Oncology expertise and regulatory knowledge.

The GCPL will lead cross-functional teams, manage clinical development plans, and coordinate governance discussions. This hybrid position is based in Gaithersburg, MD, with global collaboration across locations.

Qualifications

• MD required
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience
• Industry experience in drug development including early & late phase development and regulatory knowledge
• Strong knowledge in Hematology/Oncology and evolving clinical landscape
• Lead overall project strategy and be accountable for plans, timelines and outcomes
• Mentor and motivate teams in a highly matrixed environment

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical development teams for Hematology Oncology therapies from preclinical to Phase 3 investment decisions.
• Own regulatory submissions and continuous clinical strategy.
• Coordinate CPT, align with management, and communicate with external collaborators.
• Develop target product profiles and ensure alignment with disease area strategy.
• Drive governance and risk management across the portfolio.
• Coach cross-functional teams to maintain high CPT effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Clinical development

Education

MD

Job description

Role: Global Clinical Program Lead, Hematology

Hybrid Working: Minimum of 3 days per week in the office

Location:

This role is advertised in Gaithersburg, Maryland - United States. However, applications may also be considered from candidates based in the following AstraZeneca Hematology locations: Boston, Massachusetts; South San Francisco, California or Barcelona, Spain.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. We are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build talent.

Within Hematology R&D, we are committed to advancing the science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno‑Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody‑drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of hematological cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late‑stage development, enabling rapid acceleration of promising early‑stage assets and life‑cycle management programs.

We are looking for a highly qualified Global Clinical Program Lead (GCPL) candidate to lead the clinical development and execution of the product strategy for multiple projects. This individual will be accountable for the strategic clinical development plan and clinical execution of the compounds and reports to the Global Clinical Head (GCH) of the disease indication. The individual will articulate the project goals, strategy and the underlying science and clinical need to internal and external audiences with clarity and credibility.

• Leads clinical development teams responsible for novel Hematology Oncology therapies from preclinical candidate selection through proof of concept leading to Phase 3 investment decisions. The candidate will lead all regulatory submissions. Accountable for the clinical strategy and clinical execution of a portfolio of pre‑clinical and clinical stage therapies.
• Accountable for the delivery of project according to quality, time, budgets and resources
• Build strategic and coordinated clinical development plans which are aligned with business objectives and are differentiated from competitor products.
• Accountable for the execution of the integrated product plan to agreed scope, timelines, and budgets
• Leads and communicates the clinical development strategy at governance meetings, accountable for aligning with internal management and for communicating with external collaborators.
• Lead clinical aspects of projects from preclinical Lead Optimization Investment Decision to clinical Proof of Concept (PoC):
• Responsible for all clinical aspects of project strategy including translational, clinical development, patient selection, regulatory, pediatric, and Asian development strategy
• Development of the Target Product Profile, ensuring alignment with disease area strategy and late stage development
• Co‑leads the Clinical ProgramTeam (CPT) to effectively run/mitigate/communicate risk, make decisions, and handle conflict and change.
• Responsible for maintaining a high degree of CPT effectiveness through collaboration, influence, and, as necessary, coaching and mentoring of cross‑functional team members.
• Ensure that there are robust processes, plans and data to enable Governance Bodies to make investment decisions and prioritise projects across the portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.D. is required
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience
• Industry experience in drug development including experience in early and late phase drug development and regulatory knowledge.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Hematology Oncology therapeutic area with experience in diverse biological mechanisms.
• Broad understanding of the evolving clinical landscape in hematology/oncology
• Lead the overall development of project strategy and be accountable for project plans, timelines, progress, and outcomes.
• Proven experience mentoring and motivating teams in a highly matrixed environment.
• Proven record of encouraging and leading internal and external cross‑functional collaborations
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills
• Proven success in influencing colleagues and senior leaders in various departments.
• Must demonstrate high integrity.

Working at AstraZeneca

Here you’ll have the chance to create a substantial difference to patients’ lives! With science at its heart, this is the place where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicines – for the world’s most complex diseases. Answer unmet medical needs by pioneering the next wave of science, focusing on outcomes and crafting the patient ecosystem.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry‑leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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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.

Date Posted 09-Nov-2026

Closing Date 15-Nov-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.