Senior Director, Medical Evidence Strategy

Medical Evidence Strategy Leadership

To lead in a partnership with Medical Affairs Leads development of Medical Evidence Strategy, aligned with medical priorities in the TA (Therapeutic Area) and for specific assets.

To identify evidence requirements/gaps and evidence priorities, based on good understanding of clinical practice, disease area and applicable methods.

To implement sustainability and health policy objectives.

Study Delivery and Governance

Responsibility for development and delivery of brand-specific Medical Evidence tactical plans on time&budget with high scientific quality and impact.

Scientific Lead for evidence studies: Applying appropriate Study Design & Analytical methods to generate robust scientific evidence, based on all applicable research methodologies (ranging from pragmatic interventional studies and implementation science to observational studies based on secondary data and utilization of emerging technology and AI).

To lead governance procedures, as applicable, for review and approval of medical studies (defined by SOPs).

Impact and Communication

To translate evidence into messaging driving decisions for clinicians, payers, regulators, and internal governance; communicate clearly to senior leadership.

Talent and Culture

To lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team; foster a culture of scientific rigor, delivery excellence, and excellence in communicating evidence impact.

Cross-Functional Integration

To drive collaboration across Medical, Health Economics/Payer Evidence, Medical/Biostatistics, Market Access, Clinical, and Commercial to deliver cohesive plans and impact.

Methodology and Standards

To define and uphold scientific standards, methods, and quality systems for observational research, interventional studies, and evidence synthesis.

External Leadership

To represent AZ in scientific forums and partnerships; shape external evidence standards through collaborations and publications.

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral level degree (PhD/PharmD), or MSc/MPH in Epidemiology or Public Health with significant experience (10+ years for both PhD or MSc/MPH) of evidence strategy and generation primarily in pharma business, but also across CRO or academia.
• Experience with direct people management.
• Prominent record of setting strategic and tactical evidence plans.
• Extensive hands-on experience of clinical/observational research, drug development process and relevant guidelines (GCP/ICH).
• Persuasive communicator in English, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledgeable in translating evidence into messaging driving decisions for clinicians, payers, regulators, and internal governance.
• Knowledge of drug life cycle management.
• Broad knowledge of health care systems.
• Integrity and high ethical standards.
• Proven ability to interact widely and effectively across functions, regions and cultures.

Desirable Skills

• Doctoral level degree in Epidemiology plus MD or PharmD with clinical experience.
• Extensive Pharma industry experience, preferably including experience from local Marketing Company.
• Extensive experience from leading and managing people in a global, matrix environment.
• Proven ability of leading cross-functional teams in evidence generation strategy and delivery to support physician/payer/policy/patient needs.
• Expertise in Respiratory* or Immunology* disease area.