Global Medical Affairs Lead, GI Oncology

About the role

At AstraZeneca, we are working to transform cancer care. We follow science, challenge convention and collaborate across boundaries to deliver meaningful advances for patients. Within Medical Affairs, we generate and communicate compelling medical evidence that can change clinical practice and improve the patient experience. By bringing together science and strategy, we help healthcare professionals make informed decisions and accelerate the delivery of innovative medicines to patients. This newly created position supports the continued expansion of our hepatobiliary program. It offers the opportunity to shape the medical strategy for a scientifically complex and evolving oncology portfolio, prepare global markets for important future launches, influence evidence generation and development strategy, work with emerging mechanisms and treatment modalities, build broad global leadership experience across Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial, and grow toward wider and more senior medical leadership opportunities. Life at our Gaithersburg site brings together an international scientific community united by a passion for advancing science and improving patients’ lives. The collaborative environment encourages knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial thinking and cross‑functional partnership. Located near leading universities, research institutions and the Washington, DC area, Gaithersburg offers access to a vibrant scientific ecosystem as well as a diverse and welcoming community.

Responsibilities

• As the accountable medical leader assigns GI oncology indications and assets, you will shape and deliver the Global Medical Strategy, connecting Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial teams to advance the portfolio and prepare markets for launch.
• Develop and execute Global Medical Plans, setting priorities and adapting strategy based on scientific developments, external insights and performance.
• Lead medical launch readiness and ensure global strategies are translated into relevant regional and country plans.
• Influence clinical development, evidence generation and lifecycle planning by representing Medical Affairs on key cross‑functional teams.
• Identify evidence gaps and lead integrated evidence plans across clinical, real‑world, diagnostic and digital sources.
• Shape Medical Affairs studies and lead global publication and scientific communication strategies.
• Develop a clear scientific narrative across publications, medical education, congresses and external engagement.
• Build strategic relationships with external experts, professional societies, health systems and other scientific organizations.
• Lead complex global matrix teams, build stakeholder alignment and strengthen Medical Affairs capabilities through coaching and mentorship.

Requirements

• Advanced medical or scientific degree, such as an MD, PhD, PharmD or equivalent.
• +3 years of Medical Affairs experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, typically gained at country, regional or global level.
• +3 years of demonstrated experience in oncology.
• +3 years of experience developing or leading Medical Plans, evidence‑generation strategies, publications or scientific communication programs.
• +3 years of experience supporting an oncology launch or preparing a market for launch.
• Demonstrated success working in a complex, cross‑functional matrix involving Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate scientific evidence into strategic recommendations.
• Experience engaging external experts and scientific communities.
• Strong scientific communication, stakeholder‑management and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in gastrointestinal oncology, hepatocellular carcinoma, biliary tract cancer or another hepatobiliary malignancy.
• Experience in immuno‑oncology or immunotherapy.
• Experience with new mechanisms of action, emerging treatment modalities, companion diagnostics or complex biomarker strategies.
• Exposure to novel modalities such as cell therapy or bispecific molecules.
• Experience leading matrix teams across complex or multi‑indication portfolios.

Skills

• Strong scientific communication, stakeholder‑management and leadership skills.
• Experience engaging external experts and scientific communities.