Team Leader Bioscience Immunology Early Respiratory and Immunology

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company that is dedicated to discovering, crafting, and delivering innovative medicines and healthcare solutions that improve the lives of patients. The vision of AstraZeneca Early Respiratory & Immunology (Early R&I) is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure disease. Early R&I is one of three main therapeutic research areas within AstraZeneca that deliver candidate drugs into late-stage clinical development. Here, you’ll have the chance to make a difference in people’s lives every day.

As a part of building Immunology Bioscience team within Early R&I department, we are seeking a highly motivated Team Leader to lead the group of scientists and associate scientists focusing on identifying and validating new drug targets for patients with Rheumatological, Dermatological and Gastrointestinal diseases. The group will deliver key data to projects across all phases of the drug discovery and early development and work with different modalities such as small molecules, modified mRNA, antisense oligonucleotides and peptides. The position is placed in Boston, USA.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities

In this role you will be a program and people leader in the Bioscience, Immunology team focusing on developing therapeutics for treatment of Rheumatological, Gastrointestinal and Dermatological Diseases. The candidate will ensure delivery of preclinical and translational data in support of key portfolio program milestones, drive identification of novel targets partnering with multiple functional teams, drive technical excellence in bioscience research and contribute to the strategic direction of Bioscience Immunology leadership team. You will take an active role in growing and developing team members and recruitment of new talents.

• Drive new target identification strategies and oversee the design and execution of bioscience in vitro and in vivo experiments integrating both disease and pathway approaches in support of portfolio programs  
• Develop and lead collaborations with disease experts
• Work closely with key leaders in partner functions to ensure project goals are met
• Hire, line-manage, develop, mentor and motivate team members in Bioscience, Immunology team
• Accountable to manage resources effectively, providing flexible, competent and responsive Bioscience support to projects
• Accountable for long-term development of the Bioscience department in close collaboration with the Head of Department and the other Bioscience team leaders
• Drive innovation and scientific excellence in Bioscience through internal scientific development, external collaborations, publications and competitive awareness. Will also actively search, establish and manage external collaborations
• Create and maintain a work environment in which scientific challenge and innovation are maximized
• May present specific target ideas to target review meetings, leadership team and Research Board
• Work collaboratively with other Teams within and outside of the Early R&I
• Make AstraZeneca scientifically visible by publishing scientific papers and presenting data at conferences
• Strong focus on managing performance and setting challenging, achievable and measurable objectives and manage salary and bonus for the team
• Ensure that the work of the team is performed with the right quality in accordance with compliance processes.
• Ensure compliance with all corporate guidelines and rules

Essential Requirements

• M.D, Ph.D or M.D./Ph.D degree in immunology or relevant research area with at least 5 years of industry discovery experience  
• Track record of scientific excellence in immunology, experience with in vitro and in vivo immunology models
• Track record of delivering clinical candidate(s) from discovery portfolio
• Strong leadership capabilities with emphasis of people management and development
• Expertise in drug discovery projects in the immunology field or a closely related field of biology is preferred  
• A strong understanding of immune-mediated rheumatological, gastrointestinal or dermatological diseases is preferred
• Training in adaptive, humoral and/or innate immunity is strongly desired
• Experience in the identification and progression of novel drug targets and pathways
• Outstanding team working skills and a proven track record of working collaboratively to ensure scientific excellence and rapid progression of projects

AstraZeneca offers an environment built on lifelong learning where we embrace new opportunities to develop and grow. We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with scientific innovations to achieve breakthroughs. Our inclusive environment encourages collaboration across diverse teams globally, allowing us to create significant impacts on disease treatment.

Join us at AstraZeneca and be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. Apply now!

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.