AstraZeneca

Associate Director, Medicinal Chemistry, TTD, Early Oncology

Location: Waltham, MA, US

Do you want to be at the cutting edge of innovation that will lead to state-of-the-art therapies for cancer? At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Our pioneering oncology pipeline enabled by transformative technologies drives us forward. Working here means being ambitious, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality for the patients. 

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven, integrated biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference to patient health through great medicines that bring benefit for patients and add new value for society. We discover, develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines for important areas of healthcare, which include some of the world’s most serious illnesses: cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. We are driven by a shared goal to make a positive impact on the lives of patients with these serious diseases. Oncology is a core therapy area and growth platform at AstraZeneca and our vision is to deliver life-changing medicines that improve outcomes for patients most in need.

This Opportunity

The Associate Director will actively lead programs involving small molecule drug design in tumor targeted delivery (TTD) chemistry group. This role is part of our strategy to deliver next generation of therapeutics including, but not limited to, small molecule, peptide and antibody drug conjugates to treat cancer. For this purpose, small molecule discovery strategies will be deployed (i.e., hit-ID, SBDD/LBDD/LipE/FQ-directed hit-to-lead and lead optimization). Close collaboration with computational chemistry, in vivo pharmacology, structure biology, and related functions will be required. The role will also include line-management and lab operations responsibilities. This job posting is for our group Greater Boston/Waltham location. 

Core Accountabilities:

• Design and develop modular strategies compatible for rapid access to small molecule targets (strong organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry background is required) 
• Guide discovery of novel/differentiated small molecule candidates with optimal structural, pharmacological, physicochemical, metabolic, and safety considerations
• Demonstrate strategic thinking in program activities and people management, actively organize team meetings, and present regular scientific/management updates to leadership
• Prioritize deliverables and projects in fast pace environment
• Demonstrate creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills to overcome challenges all while building/strengthening IP 
• Closely collaborate with cross-functional leads and leverage CRO resources to meet timelines 
• Exhibit leadership and team-player qualities and demonstrate willingness to develop younger colleagues and foster mentorship 
• Ensure that appropriate safety, health & environment (SHE) practices are followed in the lab

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) focused on synthetic organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry with 5+ years of experience in biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry setting. A strong track record of scientific innovation as medicinal chemistry project lead and portfolio milestone success 
• Excellent communication skills, team building experience in professional setting with 2+ years of line-management experience
• Deep knowledge of ADME, physicochemical, biochemical, and pharmacological principles as applied to small molecules 
• Past record of success in creativity and problem-solving (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and patents)
• Subject matter expert in organic synthesis and methodology, with general knowledge of the mechanisms of chemical reactivity and awareness of latest scientific literature to guide the chemistry team
• Strong work ethic with desire to mentor and develop directly/indirectly reporting colleagues 

Site Location

The Waltham R&D site is home to our small-molecule oncology research in North America. It is situated within a biopharma cluster of academic research institutions, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and biotech start-ups. The Boston region is consistently ranked #1 globally for biotech research, investment, talent recruitment and lab space.

The campus, also known as the Boston BioHub, is one of the largest and most dynamic life-science research hubs in the region. It is home to more than 800 scientists and experts working in nine different pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The site is also home to the AstraZeneca Incubator, a program that helps emerging companies advance novel and innovative healthcare solutions to meet the needs of patients. Plenty of free covered/uncovered parking is available along with charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, shuttle service to local transportation hubs is also available.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. A place where employees are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. There is no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.

So, what is next?

A place built on courage, curiosity, and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and passionate about the possibilities, then we want to hear from you!

Date Posted

05-Feb-2024

Closing Date

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.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.