Director, Immunology Scientific Innovation
About The Position
AstraZeneca is seeking a scientific leader to advance immunology research and cell therapy discovery strategies for immune-mediated diseases. The Director will apply expertise in immunological disease biology to shape differentiated therapeutic strategies and discovery programs, connecting disease biology, drug discovery, and innovative cell therapy approaches, including ex vivo and in vivo CAR-T strategies. The role leads laboratory-based scientists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and collaborates across disciplines and functions to translate biological insights into medicines. It requires a Boston-area presence, with at least three days per week onsite; it cannot be performed fully remotely. Relocation may be considered for qualified candidates located outside the Boston area. The position calls for deep experience in immune-mediated disease biology, B-cell and/or T-cell biology, pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery, and scientific team leadership. The Director will help guide programs from early discovery toward clinical development, build internal and external partnerships, and ensure research meets applicable scientific, regulatory, ethical, and company standards.
Requirements
- PhD or equivalent advanced degree in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related scientific discipline.
- At least 5 years of R&D experience studying mechanisms and biological drivers of immune-mediated diseases.
- At least 3 years of experience studying B-cell and/or T-cell biology and its role in immune-mediated disease.
- At least 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Demonstrated ability to translate biological insights into drug discovery programs and therapeutic strategies.
- Experience contributing to or leading programs from discovery into early clinical development; progression toward Phase I is ideal.
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing scientific teams.
- Track record of setting scientific direction, developing talent, and delivering results through high-performing teams.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary and matrixed research and development environments.
- Excellent scientific communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills.
Nice To Haves
- At least 5 years of experience in inflammatory bowel disease and/or intestinal immunology is highly desirable.
- Scientific understanding of CAR-T or related immune-cell therapeutic approaches.
- Strong publication record demonstrating expertise in immunology and/or relevant disease biology.
- Established scientific network spanning immunology, drug discovery, biotechnology, and/or academia.
Responsibilities
- Define and advance scientific strategies in immunological disease biology, including disease mechanisms, biological pathways, and immune-cell biology, to inform therapeutic hypotheses and discovery priorities.
- Develop and implement discovery strategies for immune-mediated diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease and other B-cell- and T-cell-mediated diseases.
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize disease mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities that address underlying drivers of disease.
- Contribute to and lead programs from early discovery toward clinical development, applying scientific judgment and drug-development experience to program decisions.
- Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing scientific team, fostering scientific rigor, curiosity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with AstraZeneca colleagues, external scientific experts, academic institutions, and other collaborators.
- Ensure research activities comply with applicable scientific, regulatory, ethical, and AstraZeneca standards.
Benefits
- Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
- Eligibility to participate in an equity-based long-term incentive program for salaried roles.
- Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).
- Paid vacation and holidays.
- Paid leaves.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
