US Medical Head, Early Assets

AstraZeneca • Wilmington, DE

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, reporting to the US Executive Director Early Assets, the US Medical Head, Early Assets leads ambitious US medical strategies for our early pipeline, shaping how novel therapies are developed and introduced. The role provides scientific leadership to cross-functional teams, builds a strong external network across US disease areas where AstraZeneca has pipeline programs, and ensures US perspectives are embedded into global development plans. This is a chance to influence early asset strategy across a complex matrix, connect science with real-world practice, and help set the course for future standards of care!

Requirements

• Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent
• 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
• Proven track record 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 track record of supporting early asset or first-in-class product development
• Proven 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 and long-term business objectives.
• Act as the internal medical authority for emerging therapies, partnering closely with global medical, R&D, clinical, commercial, and market access colleagues.
• Develop robust translational and early clinical development plans that integrate medical insights, real-world data opportunities, and evolving standards of care.
• Drive the development of clear, compelling scientific narratives that support outstanding launches and practice-changing evidence.
• Guide study design elements such as endpoints, comparators, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and real-world evidence strategies to enable future US access, labeling, and promotion.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive external engagement plan across key programs and disease areas, including leadership of medical advisory boards and strategic collaborations with external experts.
• Champion evidence generation activities across phases and data types to inform clinical decision-making and support healthcare system adoption.
• Influence cross-functional decision-making by connecting insights from the healthcare ecosystem with internal strategy – asking bold questions, challenging assumptions, and turning ideas into action.

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: Senior