Job Title: Translational Medicine Lead, Haematology R&D
Location: Gaithersburg, MD

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe. 

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects. 

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention. 

Introduction to Role:

Within Haematology R&D, we are dedicated to advancing science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients in need. Our combination-focused pipeline harnesses the power of multiple scientific platforms—immuno-oncology, tumor drivers and resistance, DNA damage response, antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapy, and epigenetics—to address unmet needs in haematological cancers. Our commitment to scientific discovery and collaboration drives our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, managing the value chain from discovery to late-stage development.

Translational Medicine (TM) transforms haematological cancer biology into actionable insights for therapeutic development and clinical decision-making within the Oncology space. Operating within the Haematology R&D division, TM is responsible for delivering innovative, strategic biomarker studies to support Haematology & Oncology project teams to make decisions. The TM team collaborates closely with preclinical bioscience and discovery, clinical development, and precision medicine & biosamples functions. TM provides robust, scientifically driven biomarkers for all Haematology projects covering leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This includes assay development, technical validation, and biomarker analysis for clinical samples. TM conducts translational research across early and late-phase clinical engagements, integrating advanced biomarker strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Accountabilities:

Develop and implement comprehensive translational science strategies encompassing patient selection, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, and mechanism of resistance for preclinical therapies through Phase 3 clinical studiesDeliver robust biomarker strategies and data for clinical studies based on best available science and technologiesAccountable for development and deployment of fit for purpose translational assays both internally and or externallyMeasure target engagement, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and mechanism of action reliably and quantifiably to inform clinical decisions.Explore mechanisms of resistance of therapies and deliver data to guide decision makingImplement translational strategies into clinical studies, including sample collection protocols, laboratory manuals, clinical study protocols, and biomarker analyses in oncology and haematology studies.Analyze target expression, cancer pathway interactions, feedback mechanisms, and tumor microenvironment features in clinical samples to guide rational drug combination strategies across oncology and haematology programs.Contribute to and ensure quality of Translational Medicine clinical study reports, data reviews and interpretations, presentations, scientific publications, and recommendations to development teams and management for strategic decision-making.Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Oncology Research, Translational Medicine, clinical development, clinical operations, and product development teams to facilitate appropriate incorporation of translational medicine strategies for molecules in early phases of development.Influence translational strategy across the AstraZeneca portfolio to maximize scientific impact and therapeutic outcomes.Lead and manage internal and external research collaborations in areas of clinical technologies and oncology translational research to advance portfolio objectives.

Essential Skills/Experience:

PhD and /or MD with experience in oncology drug development required.5+ years of experience in drug development in pharmaceutical or biotech industriesIn-depth knowledge of Immunology, Haematology-Oncology disease area biology and translational science.Prefer expertise in myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma.Highly desire experience with T cell engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, and cell therapy modalities is preferredProven communication, presentation and influencing skills.Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills.Ability to drive, manage, execute and deliver results for complex multi-functional projects.Highly developed collaborative working skills.Ability to act as an external ambassador and to influence external organizations to enhance the image and reputation of AstraZeneca.Proven ability to motivate and develop others.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=enOur US Footprint: Powering Scientific Innovation - YouTube

Total Rewards:
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $172,788.80 to $ 259,183.20. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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Date Posted

19-Aug-2025

Closing Date

22-Sept-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.