Director, Innovation and Research Advancement

Company Name: AstraZeneca

Found Description

The Medical Evidence Delivery Operations within the Oncology Business Unit (OBU) drives the effective delivery of observational and interventional AstraZeneca-sponsored studies, externally sponsored research, and early access programs. The primary objective is to generate critical evidence to bolster confidence in AstraZeneca therapies and provide vital access to patients in need.

As the Director, Innovation and Research Advancements, you will be at the forefront of transforming clinical trials through digital innovation and implementation of cutting-edge approaches to advance the GMA portfolio. This pivotal role involves implementation of digital solutions and novel strategies to optimize clinical trial processes and facilitate innovative delivery models such as decentralized trials.

Your role involves close collaboration with internal study teams and advising on right selection of novel solutions, ensuring they align with regulatory compliance and scientific rigor. You will establish ways to incorporate these innovations into outsourcing models, supporting novel delivery models through strategic frameworks.

You will work in close collaboration with various stakeholders across the organization, including scientific teams, other EGP2 functions, IT, R&D, CROs, startups, procurement, and more, to drive forward-thinking strategies that align with our mission of pioneering scientific advancements. This role demands strategic vision and practical implementation skills, fostering industry standards and positioning AstraZeneca at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Accountabilities

Digital Transformation Strategy

• Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for digital innovation, moving from identifying potential digital solutions to their full deployment in partially/decentralized clinical trials.
• Work collaboratively to design frameworks that support this evolution, ensuring scalability and compliance with industry regulations.

Framework and Methodology Development

• Establish best practices and frameworks to streamline the adoption of digital solutions, fostering a systematic shift towards decentralized trials.
• Harmonize developed frameworks with existing organizational solutions and strategies employed in R&D to maximize synergy and drive cohesive digital transformation across the enterprise.
• Engage in continuous improvement and refinement of these methodologies to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Protocol Design and CRO Selection

• Participate in protocol design, providing guidance and insights to enhance clinical trial processes considering patient centric values and approaches.
• Provide expert insights and support strategic decision-making in the selection of CROs, ensuring alignment with digital transformation goals.

Cultural and Mindset Shift

• Lead initiatives to instil a digital-first mindset throughout the organization, championing innovation and change.
• Implement training and development programs to prepare staff for the transition to digital and decentralized methodologies.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Advocacy

• Engage with diverse stakeholders to align digital initiatives with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Advocate for the adoption and acceptance of digital solutions, effectively lobbying for their implementation by assessing inherent risks, proposing mitigations, and demonstrating value and impact.

Step-by-Step Transformation

• Guide the organization through every phase of digital transformation, from initial discovery and pilot testing to full-scale implementation and monitoring.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring they meet key performance indicators and deliver substantial improvements in clinical trial processes.

Innovation Leadership and Industry Engagement

• Stay ahead of industry trends, incorporating insights into strategic planning and execution.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, contributing thought leadership on digital innovation and decentralized trials.

Internal Support and Education

• Educate internal teams on available tools and assist in identifying and implementing innovative technology solutions within the GMA portfolio.
• Support strategic decision-making in selecting projects for various innovative solutions, ensuring they complement the overall digital transformation efforts.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Bachelor's Degree
• Extensive knowledge of the clinical research and drug development processes and relevant guidelines e.g. GCP/ICH
• Experience in driving digital innovation within the pharmaceutical or healthcare sectors, with a focus on clinical trials delivery
• Working knowledge of decentralized clinical trials and understanding regulatory and compliance issues.
• Ability to identify, understand and mitigate business risk
• Strong strategic and innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive organizational change.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and motivating diverse teams.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $196,778.40 - $295,167.60. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

21-Aug-2025

Closing Date

24-Aug-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.