Main duties and responsibilities

We seek a highly motivated and innovative molecular virologist with a strong background in leading oncolytic virotherapy programs in the pharmaceutical industry or academia to join the Early Discovery Oncology Bioscience team at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD or in Cambridge, UK.  In this role you will lead a team of scientists developing oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer in AZ’s Early Discovery portfolio.  You will also manage a multidisciplinary team to engineer next generation oncolytic viruses with improved therapeutic potential and be accountable for the delivery of new pipeline projects.  Additionally, you will interact and collaborate with senior oncology leadership at AstraZeneca as well as science leaders across disciplines to build the strategic direction of the oncolytic virus portfolio and will manage external collaborations in this area.

Minimum requirements

• Ph.D., Medical or equivalent in Virology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Oncology or other relevant scientific disciplines

• Minimum 10+ yrs of experience within the pharmaceutical/biotech industry and the drug discovery process across different project stages and/or academic experience with viruses as therapeutics (oncolytic viruses, viruses as vectors/vaccine platforms)

• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the design, engineering, production, isolation and characterization of novel recombinant viruses, preferably including vaccinia virus

• Recognized leader in oncolytic virology as evidenced by strong publications in leading peer reviewed journals

• Proven capability to identify and develop new virus/vector technologies in the oncology space

• Successful record of managing multiple projects across various development stages in the pharmaceutical industry or academia

• Highly developed problem solving and risk management skills

• Effective communication and influencing skills with the proven ability to lead a multidisciplinary team

• Excellent team player and team builder with good interpersonal skills

• Proven ability to motivate, mentor and develop others

Desirable requirements

• Strong and energetic leader with good capability to make sound and timely decisions

• In vivo experience using animal models, ideally for the development of armed oncolytic viral therapies

• Experience managing external collaborations and building strong networks within industry and academia

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.