Global Medical Affairs Lead, GI Oncology

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 207,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation support

Travel opportunities

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD is hiring a Global Medical Affairs Lead for GI Oncology. This hybrid role combines strategic medical leadership with global portfolio management in hepatobiliary cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer.

Expect significant collaboration with R&D, Commercial, and regional teams, plus ~30% travel. The role requires an advanced medical or scientific degree and 3+ years in Medical Affairs with oncology experience.

Qualifications

• Advanced medical or scientific degree required (MD/PhD/PharmD or equivalent).
• +3 years Medical Affairs experience on global/regional level.
• +3 years oncology experience.
• +3 years developing Medical Plans, evidence-generation strategies, publications or scientific communication programs.
• +3 years supporting oncology launches or market readiness.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver Global Medical Strategy for GI Oncology, aligning Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial teams.
• Develop and execute Global Medical Plans with priorities based on science and external insights.
• Lead medical launch readiness and translate global strategies into regional plans.
• Influence clinical development and lifecycle planning through integrated evidence plans.
• Lead global publications and scientific communication strategies and narratives.
• Build external expert relationships and medical leadership across matrices.
• Mentor and develop cross-functional teams to strengthen Medical Affairs capabilities.

Skills

Oncology experience

Medical strategy

Publications

Stakeholder management

Scientific communication

Leadership

Evidence generation

Education

Advanced medical or scientific degree (MD/PhD/PharmD)

Job description

Global Medical Affairs Lead, GI Oncology

Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States

Working model: Hybrid, with an expected onsite presence three days per week

Travel: Approximately 30%, including domestic and international travel

Relocation support: May be available

Disrupt to redefine cancer treatment

At AstraZeneca, we are working to transform cancer care. We follow science, challenge convention and collaborate across boundaries to deliver meaningful advances for patients.

Within Medical Affairs, we generate and communicate compelling medical evidence that can change clinical practice and improve the patient experience. By bringing together science and strategy, we help healthcare professionals make informed decisions and accelerate the delivery of innovative medicines to patients.

We are seeking a Global Medical Affairs Lead, GI Oncology, to provide strategic medical leadership for our expanding hepatobiliary portfolio, including hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer.

This is an opportunity to shape the medical strategy for a complex and evolving portfolio, prepare global markets for critical launches and contribute to the development of emerging treatment approaches, including next-generation molecules and novel modalities.

What you’ll do

As the accountable medical leader assigns GI oncology indications and assets, you will shape and deliver the Global Medical Strategy, connecting Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial teams to advance the portfolio and prepare markets for launch.

• Develop and execute Global Medical Plans, setting priorities and adapting strategy based on scientific developments, external insights and performance.
• Lead medical launch readiness and ensure global strategies are translated into relevant regional and country plans.
• Influence clinical development, evidence generation and lifecycle planning by representing Medical Affairs on key cross-functional teams.
• Identify evidence gaps and lead integrated evidence plans across clinical, real-world, diagnostic and digital sources.
• Shape Medical Affairs studies and lead global publication and scientific communication strategies.
• Develop a clear scientific narrative across publications, medical education, congresses and external engagement.
• Build strategic relationships with external experts, professional societies, health systems and other scientific organizations.
• Lead complex global matrix teams, build stakeholder alignment and strengthen Medical Affairs capabilities through coaching and mentorship.

Essential requirements

• Advanced medical or scientific degree, such as an MD, PhD, PharmD or equivalent.
• +3 years of Medical Affairs experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, typically gained at country, regional or global level.
• +3 years of demonstrated experience in oncology.
• +3 years of experience developing or leading Medical Plans, evidence-generation strategies, publications or scientific communication programs.
• +3 years of experience supporting an oncology launch or preparing a market for launch
• Demonstrated success working in a complex, cross-functional matrix involving Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate scientific evidence into strategic recommendations.
• Experience engaging external experts and scientific communities.
• Strong scientific communication, stakeholder-management and leadership skills.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience in gastrointestinal oncology, hepatocellular carcinoma, biliary tract cancer or another hepatobiliary malignancy.
• Experience in immuno-oncology or immunotherapy.
• Experience with new mechanisms of action, emerging treatment modalities, companion diagnostics or complex biomarker strategies.
• Exposure to novel modalities such as cell therapy or bispecific molecules.
• Experience leading matrix teams across complex or multi-indication portfolios.

Why AstraZeneca?

In Medical Affairs, we combine scientific expertise with strategic leadership to help change the practice of medicine. We are valued partners to R&D and Commercial, translating evidence into clinical practice and helping innovative medicines achieve their full potential for patients.

You will join an open, ambitious and collaborative global organization where you can work at the cutting edge of oncology science, learn from experts across the enterprise and take ownership of your professional development.

This newly created position supports the continued expansion of our hepatobiliary program. It offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the medical strategy for a scientifically complex and evolving oncology portfolio.
• Prepare global markets for important future launches.
• Influence evidence generation and development strategy.
• Work with emerging mechanisms and treatment modalities.
• Build broad global leadership experience across Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial.
• Grow toward wider and more senior medical leadership opportunities.

Life at our Gaithersburg site

Our Gaithersburg site brings together an international scientific community united by a passion for advancing science and improving patients’ lives. The collaborative environment encourages knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial thinking and cross-functional partnership.

Located near leading universities, research institutions and the Washington, DC area, Gaithersburg offers access to a vibrant scientific ecosystem as well as a diverse and welcoming community.

Compensation and benefits

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 206,827.20 - $310,240.80 USD. The base pay offered may vary depending on individualized factors, including market location and the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills and experience.

In addition, this position offers a short-term incentive bonus opportunity and eligibility to participate in AstraZeneca’s equity-based long-term incentive program, subject to the terms of the applicable plans.

Benefits include a qualified retirement program, paid vacation and holidays, paid leaves, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Additional information regarding participation in these plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

Ready to make an impact?

Bring your Medical Affairs expertise, oncology experience and strategic leadership to a role where you can shape an emerging portfolio, influence the development and launch of innovative medicines, and help transform outcomes for people affected by gastrointestinal cancers.

Date Posted

09-Oct-2026

Closing Date

22-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.