Global Head, External Scientific Engagement

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

AstraZeneca’s BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit (BBU) is at the forefront of transforming patient outcomes across key therapy areas, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) and Respiratory & Immunology (R&I). Driven by science and innovation, we work to deliver life-changing medicines that address some of the most pressing health challenges globally, playing a meaningful role in achieving AstraZeneca’s Bold Ambition for 2030—to pioneer science, lead in our disease areas, and improve millions of lives. Our teams combine deep scientific expertise with a patient-centric approach, ensuring that every breakthrough is meaningful and impactful, while fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, agility, and lifelong learning. The Global Head, ESE—CVRM leads external scientific strategy end‑to-end: KEE identification and advocacy, partnerships with professional associations, guideline mapping and implementation, and collaborations that develop our R&D and medical education agendas. Acting as the external scientific persona for the CVRM TA, you’ll build a unified interface to elevate AstraZeneca’s scientific leadership, accelerate evidence generation, and advance standards of care. The ideal leader pairs strategic vision with disciplined, compliant execution—aligning Global Medical, R&D, and Commercial partners to deliver measurable impact across the external ecosystem.

Requirements

• Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or equivalent education
• A minimum of 7 years of meaningful experience in the Therapeutic Area
• A minimum of 5 years of Pharmaceutical experience that includes leadership positions in Medical Affairs and/or R&D
• Validated experience owning the end-to-end ESE strategy, plan, and execution across KEE engagement, professional societies, advocacy groups, and external medical education providers, aligned to TA priorities and congress strategies.
• Confirmed ability to develop and drive a unified, agile external interface that advances scientific leadership in CVRM.
• Experience building and leading a strategically focused global ESE team, including defining role clarity and proficiency frameworks, succession planning, and targeted upskilling for regional teams.
• Cross-functional leadership experience serving as a senior scientific point of contact across BPM, R&D, TAs, regions, and markets; co-leading external scientific planning with TA Heads, Medical Evidence Leads, Publications, Policy, and Market Access.
• Experience owning CVRM BPM ESE budgets and partnering with agencies and providers to improve scientific standing.

Responsibilities

• ESE Strategy and Delivery: Be responsible for the end-to-end external scientific engagement strategy, plan, and execution across KEE engagement, professional societies, advocacy groups, and external medical education providers, aligned to TA priorities and congress strategies—driving transparency, consistency, and measurable impact.
• Unified External Interface: Develop and drive a coherent and agile external presence that advances AstraZeneca’s scientific leadership agenda across CVRM, ensuring our voice is timely, data-driven, and trusted.
• Innovation: Introduce novel solutions and creative models for external engagement that differentiate AstraZeneca, expand our reach, and accelerate evidence adoption in clinical practice.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing, strategically focused global ESE team; define role transparency and proficiency frameworks, implement succession planning, and deliver targeted upskilling to regional teams to ensure consistent global execution.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as a senior scientific point of contact for external engagement across BPM, R&D, TAs, regions, and markets; co-lead external scientific planning with TA Heads, Medical Evidence Leads, Publications, Policy, and Market Access to align priorities and improve value.
• Budget and Agency Management: Own all CVRM BPM ESE budgets; identify and partner with agencies and providers that elevate AstraZeneca’s scientific standing and deliver quality at pace.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure all activities, tools, and systems meet the highest ethical and compliance standards—embedding rigor, clarity, and accountability in everything we do.

Benefits

• 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: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees