At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to transform lung cancer treatment in the UK.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lung cancer care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Oncology with strong leadership and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Are you ready to change how lung cancer is treated in the UK by turning robust evidence into everyday clinical practice?
Location: London
Salary: Competitive Salary & Benefits
Closing Date: 22 March 2026
Responsibilities
- Leadership and People Development: Lead, coach and develop a high-performing Tumour Medical Affairs team; set expectations for medical excellence, governance, capability development and performance; cultivate a collaborative, inclusive and patient-centred culture; attract and grow diverse talent through effective talent management and succession planning creating meaningful opportunities for growth and development.
- Strategic And Operational Excellence: Act as the medical voice within the Franchise Leadership Team, contributing medical insight to portfolio prioritisation, resource allocation and value creation; serve as a strategic thought partner to the Franchise Head, shaping the future direction of the franchise; provide medical and scientific insight to inform future pipeline shaping and investment decisions; define Medical Affairs objectives and goals across pipeline and in-market medicines; define, manage and prioritise the medical budget and allocate resources to ensure operational excellence in close collaboration with franchise partners.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Work in partnership with the Franchise Commercial leadership to build and deliver an integrated strategy; collaborate and coordinate scientific affairs activities with regional teams by actively contributing to the development of the EUCAN medical strategy, plans and scientific projects while representing UK needs and balancing enterprise priorities; partner with Market Access to contribute scientific perspective for high-quality, on-time reimbursement dossiers; partner with Site Management & Monitoring and Clinical Operations teams to support the delivery of clinical trials ensuring alignment between clinical development priorities, medical strategy and UK healthcare environment; ensure correct implementation of Risk Management Plans with Pharmacovigilance and Regulatory.
- UK Healthcare System And External Engagement: Build and maintain senior-level relationships with UK key opinion leaders, professional societies, academic centres, NHS stakeholders and patient organisations; represent AstraZeneca Oncology as a senior medical leader in external engagements including scientific meetings, advisory boards and healthcare forums; contribute to external dialogue on oncology care and innovation to reinforce scientific credibility and reputation; demonstrate thought leadership to optimise clinical trial delivery and position the UK as a strong choice for R&D investment.
- Evidence Generation, Market Shaping And Launch Readiness: Lead compliant, non-promotional initiatives to develop the market ahead of launch. This involves disease education, pathway readiness, guideline evolution, and system capability building. Design and champion evidence generation strategies that influence clinical practice and healthcare system behaviour, not only support products. Translate detailed knowledge of the UK environment into actionable plans that promote joint medical–commercial objectives.
- Compliance And Governance: Evaluate business and compliance risks in internal and external interactions. Ensure adherence to the Code of Conduct, SOPs, and ABPI standards. Serve as AQP/Medical Nominated Signatory to guide teams, resolve issues, and maintain high standards. Represent the team at internal enterprise compliance forums.
Essential Skills/Experience
- Scientific or clinical degree (e.g. MD, PhD, PharmD or equivalent)
- Significant experience in Oncology, likely 10+ years
- Demonstrated expertise in strategy development and tactical implementation
- Strong understanding of healthcare systems across the United Kingdom, including NHS structures and clinical pathways.
- Proven ability to demonstrate impact within the UK Healthcare System.
- Proven experience leading and developing high performing teams with good examples of cross functional effectiveness and impact
- Strong knowledge of UK medical governance, compliance and ABPI Code requirements (nominated signatory or AQP, if not, qualification to be obtained with 6 months of appointment into the role)
- Proven track record of successful external stakeholder engagements
- Strong communication skills and positive interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop others
- Experience supporting significant oncology launches as well as mature indications across the United Kingdom
Desirable Skills/Experience
- GMC or GPhC registration
- Higher degree in Oncology (e.g., MSc and / or PhD), Degree in Medicine or Pharmacy
- Postgraduate degree in business or management development (e.g., MBA)
- Therapy area knowledge of lung cancer
- Previous experience in clinical practice
- Above market experience in regional or global role oncology role
- Work Experience in another function e.g. market access, commercial, R&D
- Experience in partnership with clinical research and regulatory (national and international)
- Experience in externally sponsored research and cooperation with study groups
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 we need 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.
Why AstraZeneca: Here, science meets strategy to change the practice of medicine. You will join a trusted, high-performing medical community that pairs bold ideas with rigorous evidence to transform how patients with lung cancer are treated. We bring unexpected teams together to move fast, learn openly and turn complex data into clear decisions—valuing kindness alongside ambition as we push for impact that reaches beyond our medicines. With a deep pipeline and strong external partnerships, you will have the scope to shape the future of care while growing as a leader in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Call To Action: Step into this senior medical leadership role and help redefine lung cancer care in the UK—take the next step today and lead evidence that changes practice.
Date Posted: 12-Mar-2026
Closing Date: 22-Mar-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Therapy Area Lead - Lung Oncology in London employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of lung oncology. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have access to meaningful development opportunities while working alongside a high-performing team dedicated to transforming patient care. Located in London, you will benefit from a vibrant city environment that supports both professional and personal aspirations, all while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapy Area Lead - Lung Oncology in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the oncology field. Attend conferences, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to lung cancer treatment and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in oncology and leadership can contribute to their mission. Keep it concise and focus on your achievements that relate directly to the role of Therapy Area Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Therapy Area Lead - Lung Oncology in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Therapy Area Lead role. Highlight your experience in lung oncology and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've developed others and fostered a collaborative culture in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone who can contribute to strategic decisions. Use your application to illustrate your understanding of the UK healthcare system and how you’ve successfully shaped medical strategies in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Oncology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in lung oncology. Familiarise yourself with current treatments, clinical trials, and key opinion leaders in the field. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commitment to improving patient care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached or developed talent, and be ready to discuss how you fostered a collaborative and inclusive culture. This is crucial for a role that involves leading a high-performing team.
✨Understand the UK Healthcare System
Get a solid grasp of the NHS structures and clinical pathways relevant to lung cancer. Be prepared to discuss how you can navigate these systems effectively and contribute to strategic decisions that align with healthcare priorities in the UK.
✨Engage with External Stakeholders
Think about your experiences engaging with key opinion leaders and other stakeholders. Be ready to share how you've built relationships and influenced clinical practice. This will highlight your ability to represent the company and drive change in the oncology landscape.
