US Executive Director, Early Assets

AstraZeneca • Wilmington, DE

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, reporting directly to the VP US Medical Affairs, the US Executive Director, Early Assets will lead the development of bold US medical strategies for our early pipeline, provide scientific input to cross-functional teams, and build an influential external network across US disease areas where AstraZeneca has pipeline programs. This is a chance to develop, design, and influence across a complex matrix so that US perspectives are embedded in global development plans and future launches. Want to be at the point where early science meets real-world impact? At AstraZeneca, medical leaders sit at the intersection of cutting-edge science and real-world healthcare practice, shaping decisions from early R&D investment through to evidence that changes clinical guidelines. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with close partnerships across Research & Development, Commercial, Market Access and external experts to turn promising early assets into medicines that matter. Curiosity is encouraged, new ideas are acted on quickly, and there is genuine scope to grow skills across therapy areas, functions and geographies as our pipeline expands. Working here means contributing directly to advances that improve patients’ lives while developing a career with breadth, depth and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry (medical, marketing, R&D, market access roles), or working in a relevant health system setting (clinical, pharmacy, pathway design etc.)
• Deep medical, clinical or scientific expertise in CV and metabolism (especially in obesity/weight management).
• Experienced business leader able to deliver results in a complex matrix environment
• US regulatory strategy knowledge including product approval, label requirements/negotiation
• Validated ability to build internal/external networks and to collaborate internally/externally
• Substantial evidence generation/data expertise, e.g. clinical trial experience (conducted Ph2, Ph3 or Ph4 studies), and/or substantial RWE experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience/knowledge in immunology and/or cell therapy also preferred.
• Global and/or R&D experience, or consistent record of supporting early asset or first-in-class product development
• Relevant experience beyond medical affairs (e.g. in a marketing/R&D/market access role)

Responsibilities

• Lead the US medical strategy for early pipeline assets, ensuring alignment with portfolio priorities, disease area strategy, and long-term business objectives.
• Act as the internal US medical authority for emerging assets, providing authoritative mentorship on scientific, clinical, and real-world considerations across cardiovascular, metabolism, and related therapeutic areas.
• Partner closely with global medical and R&D teams to shape robust translational and early clinical development plans, integrating US medical insights, health system realities, and real-world data opportunities.
• Influence study builds and development strategies by collaborating with Clinical, Global Commercial, and medical teams on endpoints, comparators, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and real-world evidence plans that enable future US access, labelling, and promotion.
• Craft clear and compelling scientific narratives that differentiate early assets, support value propositions, and underpin impactful launch and lifecycle strategies.
• Drive evidence generation plans across the product lifecycle, including clinical trials and real-world evidence initiatives that support practice change and guideline evolution in the US.
• Build and coordinate comprehensive external engagement strategies with US authorities, professional societies, policy influencers, and patient groups to inform development plans and accelerate adoption of innovation.
• Play a key role in medical advisory boards and scientific exchanges, ensuring high-quality insight generation that shapes both global and US strategies.
• Build and nurture a strong external network across all relevant programs and disease areas, positioning AstraZeneca as a trusted scientific partner in obesity/weight management, cardiovascular disease, metabolism, and adjacent fields.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration within a complex matrix environment, connecting stakeholders across Medical, R&D, Commercial, Market Access, HEOR, and Policy to drive coordinated decision-making.
• Identify and act on opportunities to accelerate early asset development, de-risk key decisions, and prepare the US market for first-in-class or best-in-class launches.

Benefits

• short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• equity-based long-term incentive program
• retirement contribution
• commission payment eligibility
• 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