Therapy Area Lead - Lung Oncology

Are you ready to change how lung cancer is treated in the UK by turning robust evidence into everyday clinical practice? Providing leadership of the team and also medical-scientific strategy of AstraZeneca’s highly progressive Lung oncology therapeutic area, contributing to the late phase clinical development of assets and achieving defined medical/scientific objectives with a clear focus on patients.

Accountabilities:

• 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.