Global Project Lead, Early R&I Position Available In Middlesex, Massachusetts

The Global Project Leader in Respiratory and Immunology (R&I) is driven by science and innovation and the desire to develop novel therapies for patients with respiratory or immunological diseases. The Projects Department is a key part of the R&I organization where you, as Global Project Leader, will lead science, preclinical and drug development strategies for early assets in a cross functional matrix, from Discovery Lead Optimization (LO) up to end of Ph2b clinical evaluations. You will report to the Head of Projects in R&I and be accountable to the R&I Leadership Team.

Accountabilities:

You will be accountable for the strategy and execution of several pre-clinical and clinical stage drug projects, across all modalities. For each project, you will lead cross-functional experts to build a vibrant and ambitious project team focused on the delivery of a clinical proof of concept and a winning novel therapy. Bold ambitions are balanced with risk management, and you constantly seek to build a strong disease area and scientific understanding within the project team to deliver high quality results, in right time, at right cost. To do this, you seek both internal and external senior influence and encourage risk taking. Your colleagues will count on you to provide feedback and mentoring, and you will be challenged to develop and learn via the project leader community.

Your accountabilities will include:

Driving project strategy and scientific rigor in alignment with disease area and portfolio strategy Development of Target Product Profiles for early space assets Effective project communication Project resourcing and budget Initiation and fostering of external collaborations to improve the project portfolio Development and mentoring of key talent Collaboration with peer project leaders to continuously improve standard methodology with the aim of building outstanding project leadership

Essential Skills/Experience:

Advanced degree including a relevant PhD degree or MD or global equivalent 10+ years relevant experience preferably focused on respiratory or immunology drug development aligned with the pharmaceutical industry Track record of delivering high profile early drug development projects globally Experience of managing cross functional global teams with a significant budget impacts Stakeholder interaction at Senior Executive level and above Proven leadership from cross-functional and cross-cultural environment Excellent communication skills When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca:

At AstraZeneca, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world’s most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. It’s our combination of curiosity and courage that drives us, inspired by the possibility of doing things that have never been done before. Empowered to step up, we free ourselves from fear of failure to dig deep into the biology of complex diseases and make bold decisions. Celebrating our successes and failures along the way. Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and join us in our journey to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines! Date Posted 17-Jun-2025 Closing Date Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.