Director, Immunology Scientific Innovation

AstraZeneca • Cambridge, MA

2d • $183,769 - $275,653 • Hybrid

About The Position

AstraZeneca is advancing the science of immunology with the ambition of moving beyond symptom control toward disease modification, durable remission and, ultimately, the potential for curative approaches. As part of this ambition, AstraZeneca is exploring cell therapy strategies designed to reset the immune system by addressing the underlying drivers of immune-mediated disease, including ex vivo and in vivo CAR-T approaches. We are seeking an accomplished scientific leader to join us as Director, Immunology Scientific Innovation in the cell therapy discover team. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in immunological disease biology and apply this knowledge to shape differentiated therapeutic strategies and discovery programs. The role will complement AstraZeneca’s cell therapy capabilities by connecting disease biology, drug discovery and innovative cell therapy approaches. The Director will lead laboratory-based scientists in Cambridge, MA and work collaboratively across disciplines and functions to translate biological insights into the next generation of medicines for immune-mediated diseases. This position requires a Boston-area presence to support the leadership of laboratory-based teams and scientific collaboration.

Requirements

• Advanced degree: PhD or equivalent advanced degree in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology or a related scientific discipline.
• Immunological disease biology: At least 5 years R&D experience in studying the mechanisms and biological drivers of immune-mediated diseases.
• Immune-cell biology: At least 3 years experience in studying B-cell and/or T-cell biology and their roles in immune-mediated disease.
• Industry experience: At least 5 years experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Translational expertise: Demonstrated ability to translate biological insights into drug discovery programs and therapeutic strategies.
• Development experience: Experience in contributing to or leading programs from discovery into early clinical development, ideally including progression toward Phase I.
• People leadership: Demonstrated experience managing and developing scientific teams.
• Scientific direction: A track record of setting scientific direction, developing talent and delivering results through high-performing teams.
• Matrix leadership: Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary and matrixed research and development environments.
• Communication and stakeholder management: Excellent scientific communication, collaboration and stakeholder-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Inflammatory bowel disease: At least 5 years experience in inflammatory bowel disease and/or intestinal immunology is highly desirable.
• CAR-T expertise: Scientific understanding of CAR-T or related immune-cell therapeutic approaches is desirable but not required.
• Scientific recognition: A strong publication record demonstrating expertise in immunology and/or relevant disease biology.
• External network: An established scientific network spanning immunology, drug discovery, biotechnology and/or academia.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership: 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.
• Shape discovery strategies: Develop and implement discovery strategies for immune-mediated diseases, with particular relevance to inflammatory bowel disease and other B-cell- and T-cell-mediated diseases.
• Translate biology into therapeutic opportunities: Apply a deep understanding of disease biology to identify, evaluate and prioritize mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities capable of addressing the underlying drivers of disease.
• Advance drug discovery and development programs: Contribute to and lead programs from early discovery toward clinical development, applying sound scientific judgment and drug-development experience to critical program decisions.
• Lead and develop scientific talent: Recruit, lead, mentor and develop a high-performing scientific team, fostering scientific rigor, curiosity, collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.
• Build external partnerships: Establish and maintain productive relationships with AstraZeneca colleagues, external scientific experts, academic institutions and other collaborators.
• Ensure compliance and quality: Ensure that research activities are conducted in accordance with applicable scientific, regulatory, ethical and AstraZeneca standards.

Benefits

• Relocation may be considered for qualified candidates currently located outside the Boston area.
• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• commission payment eligibility (sales roles)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree