AstraZeneca

Medical Director, Early Clinical Development, Oncology

AstraZeneca • $249K — $374K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.D. degree or equivalent, with strong preference for clinical oncology/hemato-oncology training
  • 3+ years of experience in clinical research or oncology drug development
  • Significant experience in early or late-stage clinical trials within pharma/life sciences
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Proven leadership ability in cross-functional environments
  • High emotional intelligence and skillful in negotiation
  • Experience in molecular oncology or translational science

Responsibilities

  • Oversee long-range clinical planning and management of oncology clinical research projects
  • Act as Project Medical Monitor in a cross-functional team
  • Contribute to clinical program quality improvements and cross-functional processes
  • Design and implement clinical protocols and final reports
  • Formulate clinical development strategies for oncology compounds
  • Lead negotiations with clinical research centers and investigators
  • Manage CRO activities and oversee project team evaluation and trial conduct
  • Plan and execute investigator meetings and advisory boards

Benefits

  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • Paid leave options
  • Short-term incentive bonus opportunities
  • Eligibility for equity-based long-term incentive programs
Full Job Description
Do you have expertise in, and passion for early stage clinical development?
Are you looking to work at the cutting-edge, where scientific innovations and an entrepreneurial spirit are the norm?
Join the team at the heart of AstraZeneca that is committed and encouraged to follow the science in Oncology R&D.


About Early Clinical Development Medical Directors
Our Medical Directors, at all levels, possess a clinical background and are driven by science and the desire to develop novel therapies for cancer patients to work in our dynamic Early Clinical Development team. You will have a proficiency in the drug development process, particularly early phase clinical trials, protocol writing and study conduct, data review and reconciliation, and what it takes to lead teams successfully. This position offers the opportunity for growth and development while working in a vibrant environment.

AstraZeneca is in a period of tremendous growth and acceleration in the oncology portfolio. This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment where, with growing levels of responsibility. Typical responsibilities may include:
• Provide long-range clinical planning in early clinical trial development, planning and managing of clinical research projects and clinical development programs in oncology.
• Serve as the Project Medical Monitor while working in a cross functional environment with representatives from other involved line functions as well as Late-Stage Development.
• Contribute to and support Department/Clinical initiatives to improve the quality and content of all clinical programs as well as the cross functional/organization processes designed to effectively deliver our R&D portfolio.
• Establish and approve scientific methods for design and implementation of applicable clinical protocols, data collection systems, and final reports;
• Play a role in designing clinical development plans and overall strategy for compounds, therapeutic classes of compounds or indications in light of developments in the area of clinical and pharmaceutical oncology;
• Participate in identification, selection and conduct of negotiations with clinical research centers and investigators;
• Participate in the selection and management activities of CROs; Supervise project team members in planning, conducting and evaluating clinical trials;
• Lead all aspects of planning and management of investigator meetings, advisory boards and other scientific committees.

Essential Requirements:
• M.D degree or equivalent. Strong preference for individuals with clinical training in oncology or hemato-oncology
• At least 3 years of experience in clinical research and/or oncology drug development in pharmaceutical, academic or CRO environment.

Preferred Requirements:
• PhD in a relevant research area is preferred.
• Significant experience in the pharmaceutical/life sciences industry in a function aligned to clinical development and early or late stage clinical trials
• Medical specialty and sub-specialty training and Board Certification
• Excellent oral and written skills, strong interpersonal and listening skills with a focus on results and sound outcomes
• Proven leadership skills and demonstrated ability to interact collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• High level of emotional intelligence; able to deal with ambiguity
• Able to relate to varied level audiences across the organization; able to set priorities for team and maintain accountability; skillful in negotiating organizational boundaries and hierarchy; able to build effective teams
• Experience in molecular oncology and/or translational science

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $249,827 to $374,740. 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
30-Sept-2026

Closing Date
06-Oct-2026

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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