Global Clinical Program Lead, Cell Therapy, Late Development Oncology

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

1d • $288,059 - $432,088 • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves leading late-stage cell therapy programs, specifically within prostate cancer, to redefine patient outcomes. The position focuses on transforming scientific advancements into clinical evidence that can inform global regulators, payers, and clinicians. The individual will be responsible for shaping study design, overseeing conduct and monitoring, and driving data interpretation to establish the benefit-risk profile, intended label, and global value proposition. The role requires translating novel biology into pivotal trials that meet regulatory standards and achieve real-world impact. Collaboration with diverse expert teams and external partners is key to co-leading product and study strategy, setting a clear vision, and enabling timely decisions. The use of innovative tools, including biomarkers and advanced trial designs, is encouraged to maintain program competitiveness and accelerate the delivery of transformative therapies to patients.

Requirements

• Graduate of a recognized school of medicine with an M.D. degree or equivalent or a life science-based degree.
• Prior experience in cell therapy.
• Significant (>5 years) clinical research expertise in relevant therapy area in study design, protocol development, monitoring and implementing clinical trials, interpreting and reporting trial results.
• Proven track record of successful clinical delivery with demonstrated examples of strategic influence to clinical studies/programs.
• Explores positions and alternatives to reach agreements and solutions; presents clear arguments to gain acceptance of ideas and influences outcomes to meet organizational objectives.
• Good knowledge of biostatistics, Clinical Development, global regulatory environment and pharmacovigilance and working knowledge of medical affairs and payer environment.
• Proven cross-functional teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Excellent presentation skills; can communicate effectively with internal and external collaborators.
• A clear demonstration of behaviours: Demonstrates AstraZeneca values and Behaviours.
• Agile responsiveness to scientific data; credible in scientific and commercial environments.

Nice To Haves

• PhD (or other complementary degree) in a scientific discipline.
• Good general medical knowledge.
• Experience from different organizations.
• An understanding of pharmaceutical industry R&D, particularly of major clinical milestones and of the factors which influence drug development.
• An understanding of the interplay between clinical, commercial objectives, drug safety and regulatory requirements.
• Line management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor junior physicians/scientists.
• Demonstrated ability leading and motivating teams in a matrix environment.
• Prior experience in prostate cancer and in early development/translational studies.

Responsibilities

• Set vision and goals for the assigned portion of the program aligned to enterprise and product strategy; own Clinical Program Team deliverables; prioritize clinical activities and enable forward-looking risk mitigation to accelerate milestones and maintain competitive advantage.
• Serve as the single-point accountable leader for the design, delivery and interpretation of assigned clinical studies; ensure ethical and scientific integrity; contribute to target product profile, clinical plans and labelling decisions, often as a delegate of the Global Clinical Head.
• Drive hands-on delivery for Phase II–IV studies; collaborate seamlessly with global R&D colleagues; identify risks early and implement mitigation to keep trials on time, on budget and inspection-ready; when required and medically qualified, act as Study Physician.
• Represent the company with regulators, ethics committees, investigators and alliance partners; provide clear, credible clinical responses; build trusted relationships with AROs/CROs and international collaborators; apply strategic intent in interactions with authorities, payers and key external experts.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant literature; deliver balanced, statistically robust analyses to inform program decisions; proactively generate scientific questions and lifecycle opportunities that create value for the asset.
• Rapidly implement new processes and systems; promote proactive, solution-oriented behaviors across sub-teams; enable quick and effective troubleshooting; coach team members to build future talent and high-performing matrix teams; act as PSO lead or delegate for sign-off responsibilities.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards; ensure compliance with internal SOPs, Good Clinical Practice, and global/local regulations; when not medically qualified, exercise sound judgment to refer specific medical queries to the designated physician.

Benefits

• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree