Head of Oncology R&D Communication

AstraZeneca has a bold ambition to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death. To help us achieve this, we have a clear strategy, the best scientists and clinicians, and one of the most diverse portfolios in the industry.

This position plays a pivotal role in strengthening AstraZeneca’s reputation as a science leader globally as part of an integrated Oncology Corporate Affairs (CA) team with our Oncology Business Unit and alongside Biopharmaceuticals R&D. The role will work closely with the EVP Oncology Haematology R&D and their leadership team and provide overall leadership of the external and internal Oncology R&D communications team and activities.  

This role supports the amplification of Oncology R&D science, portfolio quality and pipeline performance internally and externally across end-to-end discovery and development by creating distinct science-driven communications strategies, aligned to Oncology R&D priorities and focused on positioning AstraZeneca as the best science-led organisation in the industry and the partner and employer of choice.

Location: Cambridge UK, however other locations such as Gaithersburg and Boston in the US will be considered.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated Oncology R&D communications strategy to enhance the reputation of AZ as a scientific leader across our most important external and internal stakeholders – scientific partners, recruits, investors and employees – and shape the environment to support the delivery of our strategy.
• Elevate the Oncology agenda in collaboration with colleagues supporting the Business Unit.
• Showcase progress and leadership to increase belief in next wave of innovation.
• Develop and ensure delivery of an internal communications strategy that informs, engages, and motivates employees by ensuring that they understand the business strategy, the competitive environment, and the importance of their individual contributions to the success of Oncology R&D.
• Provide strategic advice and executive comms support to the EVP Oncology Haematology R&D and other Oncology R&D executives, supporting their media and social media activities, internal and external events and employee engagement 
• Lead change management communications for Oncology R&D
• Partner with Business Development to oversee communications around new partnerships and acquisitions
• Ensure the development and delivery of a multi-channel, long-range R&D communications strategy and annual plan, ensuring communications activity aligns with broader AZ corporate strategy
• Anticipate and mitigate long-term Oncology R&D reputational issues, developing appropriate plans and responses for crisis communication/incident management as required
• Identify and optimise opportunities for alignment and synergies of comms approaches and activities across R&D, Business and Global Corporate Affairs
• Develop and deliver approaches for evaluating success of communication activities including KPIs, metrics, sentiment analysis, reputational research, return-on-investment evaluations, externally validated outcomes.
• Coach, manage and mentor a globally dispersed team of communication professionals, including talent management and succession planning as well as day-to-day skills development and training.
• Active member of the ORD Leadership Team and Oncology Corporate Affairs Leadership Team
• Demonstrate enterprise leadership and role model value-aligned behaviour.
• Serve as a Global Corporate Affairs senior leader within the GCA function.

Experience, Skills, Education and Capabilities:

• Scientific degree preferred
• Scientific mindset
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills with ability to build trust, influence stakeholders internally and externally and use gravitas to act as a trusted coach to senior leaders
• Demonstrable experience handling complex technical content within a regulated environment, ideally in a life-sciences environment
• Knowledge and experience of handling financial and trade media
• Ability to work successfully within a highly matrixed and interdependent environment, coordinating regional and group-wide initiatives
• Established networks and strong credibility with key external stakeholders 
• Acute political sensitivity and acumen – able to read the internal and external environment and proactively steer decision making accordingly, acting as a global ambassador of the company
• Leading, building and coaching high performing teams

Organizational Behaviours:

• Expert communication skills
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills
• Well-developed cultural sensitivity
• Able to influence others at a senior level across the business in order gain commitment to strategy
• Effectively represents the company externally to key stakeholders
• Demonstrates value-aligned behaviour
• Requires high level of interactive communication including challenges to conceptual thinking as necessary 

AstraZeneca offers an environment where innovation thrives. Here, you can apply your skills to make a genuine impact on patients' lives. With a focus on growth through innovation, you'll be part of a community that challenges norms, takes ownership, makes quick decisions, and embraces intelligent risks. Our collaborative network empowers you to learn from diverse perspectives while driving change. Join us to be part of a journey that reimagines the way we work.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now

Date Posted

05-Aug-2026

Closing Date

19-Aug-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.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.