Medical Lead - GI Cancer

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

3d • $193,281 - $289,922 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Lead - GI Cancer sets medical direction for AstraZeneca’s GI oncology franchise, translating evidence and scientific strategy into better patient outcomes. The role leads Medical Affairs for the franchise and provides medical leadership to the Core Medical Team, guiding evidence generation, launch readiness, and lifecycle strategy.

The position works across research, safety, field teams, market access, commercial, and scientific functions. It ensures medical information is accurate, balanced, scientifically rigorous, and compliant; uses emerging data to inform product safety and benefit-risk decisions; and builds relationships with advocacy, payer, and provider groups. The Medical Lead partners with Medical Science Liaisons and National Clinical Account Managers to turn insights into targeted medical plans and engagements.

The role requires an advanced scientific or medical degree and relevant industry, clinical, or research experience, preferably in oncology, rare disease, or related areas. It involves national and international travel of up to approximately 30% of the time. The company expects employees to work from the office an average of at least three days per week, while allowing individual flexibility. The annual base salary range is $193,281–$289,922, with a short-term incentive bonus opportunity and eligibility for an equity-based long-term incentive program.

Requirements

• A sophisticated scientific degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent.
• At least 5 years of related work experience in industry, a clinical institution, or a research institution; oncology, rare disease, or related experience is preferred.
• 1–3 years in an HQ Medical Affairs role.
• At least 3 years of related work experience in industry, a clinical institution, or a research institution; oncology, rare disease, or related experience is preferred.
• Proven ability to interact efficiently with commercial and scientific/medical colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally; travel will be up to approximately 30% of the time.
• Highly developed written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting brands or disease areas in in-country, regional, or global organizations.
• Solid understanding of FDA requirements.
• Experience in a strategy-setting role within Medical Affairs.
• Experience navigating sophisticated business challenges.
• Experience developing and maintaining a network that includes third-party experts.
• Relevant disease-area experience gained through clinical experience, biopharmaceutical experience, or education.
• Knowledge of relevant professional societies and scientific medical experts.
• Experience with pharmaceutical drug development and Medical/Scientific Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead Medical Affairs for the GI oncology franchise and provide medical leadership to the Core Medical Team.
• Set direction for evidence generation, launch readiness, and lifecycle strategy to elevate standards of care.
• Ensure medical accuracy, fair balance, scientific rigor, and compliance in medical information and learning materials for internal and external use.
• Build credible relationships with advocacy, payer, and provider groups to align on patient needs, inform strategy, and support scientific exchange.
• Provide medical input on the product safety profile in collaboration with Patient Safety physicians, interpreting emerging data and guiding risk communication and mitigation.
• Partner with Medical Science Liaisons and National Clinical Account Managers to support key accounts and translate insights into targeted medical plans and engagements.
• Collaborate with commercial and scientific colleagues to integrate insights, align priorities, and deliver coordinated, patient-centered outcomes.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
• Eligibility to participate in an equity-based long-term incentive program.
• Qualified retirement program, including a 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: Ph.D. or professional degree