Medical Lead (Oncology), Bryanston

AstraZeneca; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a field-based scientific expert in oncology to drive Medical Affairs Plans. Ideal candidates should be qualified Medical Doctors or possess an MSc/PhD, with 3-5 years in medical affairs. Responsibilities include engaging with healthcare professionals, developing partnerships, and delivering presentations. Fluency in English and the ability to travel are essential. Join us for an impactful career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years in a medical affairs role.
• Proven knowledge in the responsible disease area.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Drive execution of Medical Affairs Plans for AstraZeneca products.
• Develop partnerships with healthcare professionals and stakeholders.
• Engage in peer-to-peer dialogue with key customers.

Skills

Medical/scientific knowledge

Excellent presentation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Qualified Medical Doctor or MSc/PhD in a scientific discipline

Job description

As a field-based scientific expert in oncology, you will drive the execution of Medical Affairs Plans for both pre-launch and newly launched AstraZeneca products and indications. You will shape clinical practice through scientific engagement, partnerships, and collaboration—not only with traditional experts like specialist KEEs / KOLs, expert, and primary care physicians, but also with non-traditional stakeholders such as policy makers, patient advocacy groups, government representatives, and innovative solution providers. Working closely with internal teams, you will champion improved patient outcomes and the safe, effective use of AstraZeneca medicines by building bridges across the healthcare ecosystem.

You will develop and enhance professional partnerships with healthcare professionals and key external stakeholders in alignment with the Integrated Engagement Plan. By providing scientific, technical, and pharmaco-economic information through one-on-one dialogues, medical meetings, and confidence-building activities, you will position yourself as a trusted source of expertise. You will also contribute to—or lead—evidence generation activities that support and implement the broader medical strategy.

Typical Accountabilities

Scientific Expertise :

Maintain clinical / scientific expertise in disease state management, AstraZeneca products, emerging therapies, and the competitive landscape.

Contribute to the development and provide project leadership / management of the therapeutic area Field Medical Strategic Plan (FMSP).

Act as a subject matter expert / resource for internal and external stakeholders.

Work with internal stakeholders in the development and delivery of appropriate training and mentoring needs within therapeutic area.

Scientific Exchange :

Engage in peer-to-peer level dialogue with key customers and deliver appropriate clinical / scientific content through utilising the correct channel mix, which will differentiate AstraZeneca products from those of other companies.

Respond to unsolicited customer inquiries and provide focused and balanced clinical / scientific information that supports the safe and appropriate use of AstraZeneca’s products and services.

Provide scientific / clinical support and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

Identify and establish relationships with key customers and other scientific thought leaders for engaging them in ongoing scientific dialogue on AstraZeneca products and unsolicited discussions about compounds in development.

Organize and facilitate scientific events such as MSL Medical events, Symposiums, Scientific Exchanges, Advisory Boards / Expert Panels, non-promotional standalone events, Meet the Professor sessions, etc., with KEEs and HCPs. Prioritize these events based on their relevance in the patient journey for the related disease.

Deliver informative lectures at scientific events tailored to healthcare professionals, aligning with the field medical communication strategy.

Collaborate with KEEs on study proposals (ESR or Local Study) and / or publications of interest to AstraZeneca.

Customer Insights and Strategic Relationships :

Effectively identify, gather, analyse, synthesise, report and forward relevant new knowledge about the external scientific / medical environments to internal stakeholders

Provide internal stakeholders with actionable items related to medical / product strategy or clinical development based on customer perspectives.

Partner with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to identify gaps in the patient experience journey as insights to be included in the medical / product strategies.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

EDUCATION :

Must be a Qualified Medical Doctor or completed / MSc / PhD in a scientific discipline.

Must have minimum 3- 5 years in a medical affairs role.

Proven Medical / Scientific knowledge and experience in the responsible disease area.

Interest in a long-term career in the pharmaceutical industry.

MSc / PhD in a scientific discipline would be advantageous.

Understanding of multiple aspects within Medical Affairs.

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Ability to travel.

Fluency in English is required.

Why AstraZeneca?

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

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