Executive Director - Head of DMPK, Oncology R&D

The DMPK Department is located in both Cambridge UK and Boston, US and this outstanding opportunity can be based at either site.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise!

We are currently recruiting an Executive Director, Head of DMPK, Oncology R&D who is accountable for non-clinical DMPK and translational PKPD to support drug discovery and development for the Oncology portfolio at AstraZeneca. This opportunity is responsible for direct and indirect line management of the Oncology DMPK Department which comprises approximately 50 staff. This will be a natural leader, who is passionate about DMPK and PKPD science, with experience and expertise in drug discovery and development DMPK, accountable for small molecule and biologic therapeutics and will provide strategic direction to Governance, Drug Project and Functional leadership teams.

The department is responsible from early drug discovery towards candidate drug selection and in all clinical phases of development through to registration and life cycle management and will lead all aspects of non-clinical DMPK project support, including translational PK and PK-PD, modelling and simulation, drug-drug interactions, biotransformation, bioanalysis to fulfil internal and regulatory requirements including registration.

This role will be part of the Early Oncology Research Board and lead DMPK’s interactions with senior leaders in Oncology R&D and the full range of subject areas including medicinal chemistry, bioscience, toxicology, clinical pharmacology, and pharmaceutical sciences. The Oncology DMPK team is part of Oncology R&D, a core therapeutic area for AstraZeneca. The individual will report to the Head of Drug Discovery (small molecule) in Oncology R&D.

Key Accountabilities

• To ensure Oncology DMPK delivers the appropriate support to deliver project milestone transitions according to portfolio prioritisation and quality and timeline expectations of Oncology R&D and AstraZeneca
• To provide strategic, scientific and people leadership within Oncology DMPK and to coach and mentor the long term development of scientists in the Department. Contribute to the advancement of Oncology R&D and AstraZeneca via leadership, operational and governance excellence.
• To build and sustain organizational capability that is necessary to successfully deliver the Oncology R&D portfolio and AstraZeneca business goals. Contribute to AstraZeneca being a great place to work via effective and engaging leadership of Oncology DMPK.

This role will lead a department that:

Develops innovative and efficient methods for optimising compound properties, maximise translational PKPD understanding towards optimal efficacy and safety profile of medicines for Oncology patients.

Applies deep understanding of DMPK and mathematical modelling and simulation capabilities to develop a thorough understanding of exposure effect relationships of the therapeutic modalities in the portfolio.

Mitigates key DMPK gaps/issues for the portfolio allowing design and expedited progression of compounds through effective screening cascades and appropriate compound selection for clinical development in collaboration with partners including medicinal chemistry.

Collaborates with internal partners to develop AI/ML capabilities to maximal effect in the design of new compounds and the prediction of human PK and dose / schedule of candidate drugs.

Uses an appropriate combination of external routine DMPK data from partner organisations and internal tailored experimental ADME data and bioanalysis to maximise the scientific impact of DMPK science in prioritised cost effective approaches to discover and develop the next generation of Oncology medicines.

To work collaboratively across multiple subject areas to lead the quantitative pharmacology strategy into the portfolio. To lead the design and delivery of non-clinical forward and backward translational PK/PD work to enhance probability of success in the clinic and optimal dose, schedule and combination strategy in collaboration with partners including bioscience and clinical pharmacology.

Contributes to successful labelling. By evaluating and documenting ADME properties and risks in patient populations and preclinical species for regulatory submissions to support the clinical evaluation, market entry and successful commercialisation.

This role will also provide the opportunity to:

To serve as a core member on the Early Oncology Research Board representing the DMPK function and accountable for providing advice and expertise on all aspects an expert contributor and advisor

Membership of the Oncology Discovery Leadership (ODLT), Management (ODMT) and core Leaderships teams

To build Oncology DMPK scientific leadership & internal and external reputation by developing and deploying innovation and influencing the external environment

To develop the internal and external scientific reputation of the Department, through contributions at scientific fora, and publications in high impact journals

To deliver pioneering scientific support, including implementing future looking practices to increase speed and time and reduce cost of delivering meaningful medicines to Oncology patients

Define programmes to understand the DMPK and meet internal and regulatory requirements consistent with project landmarks and timelines. To be accountable for the DMPK sections of internal and regulatory documents (e.g. IND, NDA)

To work with partner organisations to ensure the essential quality and delivery of cost effective DMPK data

Education, Experience and Capabilities

• PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Pharmacology with significant drug discovery and development experience in multiple modalities including both small molecules and biologics.
• Comprehensive understanding of discovery and development DMPK including modelling and simulation and a proven ability to discover and develop drugs.
• Expert technical knowledge of DMPK sciences.
• Track record of delivering compounds to both IND and NDA/BLA
• Significant global experience of leading and managing both DMPK teams and departments to deliver scientific and functional knowledge.
• Significant track record of developing people via direct and indirect line management to maximise individuals’ potential.
• Significant track record of delivering DMPK scientific contributions in discovery as well as in development settings with an international reputation gained in part via publications in high quality peer reviewed journals.
• Wide experience in pharmaceutical R&D including a knowledge of the regulatory requirements needed to fulfil the DMPK contribution to new drug submissions
• Strong customer focus with the ability to have robust discussions with senior leaders, project leaders and key business partners to ensure that project, scientific and resource demands are aligned.

Why AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a phenomenal Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and ignite your bold spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next

Are you already envisioning yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

This role offers a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package

Find out more by clicking on the links below:

Our social media:

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazeneca

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Date Posted

Closing Date

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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