Medical Director, Small Cell Lung Cancer

Hybrid: 3 days a week onsite

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Do you have expertise in, and passion for, Medical Affairs in Oncology? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact patient outcomes in the Medical Director, US Oncology Medical Affairs role at a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you!

About the Oncology Business Unit

As a dedicated Oncology unit, this is the place to build a world-class career. Here we are always looking to learn more, welcoming the varied opportunities to expand our horizons or develop niche expertise. Embrace unparalleled access to industry-leading research, technology, and pipeline product launches with a footprint in every region. Coupled with our agility and sharp focus on talent development, there is an exciting opportunity to accelerate a rewarding and meaningful career.

The Medical Director, Small Cell Lung Cancer is a pivotal role within the US Oncology Medical Affairs organization. Reporting directly to the Medical Head, this position is accountable for driving medical plans for specific or multiple indications within a designated disease area.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Drive Medical Plan Development: Coordinate development of the integrated Medical Affairs Plan (iMAP), complete key projects, and track budget spend

• Lead Launch Readiness: Support Launch Readiness Reviews (LRR) by coordinating and supervising pre-launch activities, ensuring timely execution of endorsed LRR plans

• Shape Field Engagement Strategy: Synthesize field insights into practical tactics, connect with business collaborators, and modify plans as necessary

• Implement MALT Directives: Complete all Medical Affairs Leadership Team (MALT) initiatives as requested

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Facilitate Quarterly Reviews: Support quarterly iMAP reviews at the Core Medical Team (CMT) in collaboration with the Medical Lead

• Review Promotional Materials: Support the Promotional Materials Review Team (PMRT) by reviewing derivative content for scientific accuracy and compliance

• Provide Cross-Functional Coverage: Support the Medical Lead on the CMT

External Engagement & Stakeholder Management

• Drive Key External Expert (KEE) Engagement: Implement and supervise KEE engagement plans with follow-up to improve engagement and impact

• Implement Advisory Boards: Independently set meeting objectives, develop discussion guides, and lead communications with vendors to execute effective Advisory Boards

• Lead Congress Activities: Plan congress activities, gather insights, handling communications, and partner with Field leadership to ensure effective pull-through at events

Evidence & Medical Education

• Oversee Evidence Reviews: Conduct evidence publication reviews and participate in Medical Education Grants Office (MEGO) selection processes

• Implement Medical Projects: Complete Medical projects while staying within scope and budget

Patient-Centricity

• Build Patient Insight Capability: Work closely with Medical Affairs colleagues on research alliance initiatives, capability development programs, and tools/technology initiatives

Compliance & Ethics

• Maintain Compliance Standards: Adhere to all ethical and compliance standards as determined by the organization and/or market regulations

Essential Requirements

• Advanced Medical/Scientific Degree (Masters minimum; advanced degree strongly preferred in a scientific background)

• 3+ years of Medical Affairs experience in the pharmaceutical industry (including at least 1 year of headquarter experience)

• Headquarters Medical Affairs Experience: Prior experience in pharmaceutical industry headquarters Medical Affairs functions

• Stakeholder Management Expertise: Validated experience in relationship and collaborator management with the 3 P's (Payers, Providers, and Patients)

• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated project and relationship management experience

• Clinical Research Knowledge: Experience with evidence generation and clinical trial methodology

• Business Acumen: Foundation knowledge in business operations and strategy

• Financial Management: Foundation knowledge in financial management and budget tracking

• Matrix Team Functionality: Specialist-level experience working effectively in matrix organizations

Preferred Requirements

• PharmD, MD, PhD

• Technical & Regulatory Expertise: Understanding of technical, regulatory, policy, and real-world evidence generation dimensions

• Budget Management: Direct experience leading departmental or project budgets

• Strategic Planning: Experience developing and delivering country-level medical affairs plans

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $193K to $289K. 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. 

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe. 

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.

Apply now!

Date Posted

21-Apr-2026

Closing Date

14-May-2026

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.

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.