Director, Small-Molecule Research, Biology

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

This is what you will do:

We are seeking a highly motivated Director in biology to work in our multidisciplinary small-molecule research team in New Haven, CT. In this position you will play a pivotal role in discovery project ideation and leadership as we execute on our expanding rare-disease portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas. You will work in close collaboration with small-molecule research colleagues in biology, chemistry, and DMPK, and with partners across other functions within Alexion and AstraZeneca. To build strong relationships and nurture collaboration, this role requires full-time onsite presence at our New Haven research site.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading multidisciplinary small-molecule project teams and working with teams of scientists to progress projects from target selection and validation through development candidate selection

• Providing subject-matter expertise in experimental design and interpretation of results relating to disease pathophysiology, target activity, and/or compound pharmacology, using a variety of cell-free and cell-based in vitro assays

• Contributing strategic evaluation of project progression from target selection through lead generation, lead optimization, and delivery of development candidates

• Working closely onsite with biology colleagues, scientists in chemistry and DMPK, and other internal and external collaborators

• Delivering evaluation and ideation of new internal and external opportunities in rare disease drug discovery

• Mentoring and/or training biology colleagues in experimental design, conduct, and interpretation

• Communicating regularly to peers and senior leaders

You will need to have:

• Ph.D. in biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences with 12 years of drug discovery experience

• Experience in discovery project leadership from inception to development candidate selection

• Extensive track record of consistent and successful drug discovery accomplishments

• Demonstrated expertise, problem-solving and analytical skills, and contemporary knowledge base with relevant experience in biochemistry, cell biology, drug discovery, pharmacology, and/or related areas

• Track record of innovation demonstrated by publications, conference presentations, and other venues

• Strong written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work as a team player and to lead and mentor junior scientists

We would prefer for you to have:

• Broad background and knowledge of pathophysiology of rare diseases

• Strong working knowledge of key concepts in medicinal chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and toxicology

• Experience identifying and evaluating external research opportunities

• Supervisory experience of biology activities at contract research organizations (CROs)

"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 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.”