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Medical Lead - GI Cancer

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MDHybridPosted 6 days ago$193,281 - $289,922
Full TimeSenior LevelMedical AffairsPharmaceutical
Original posting ↗

Summary

Are you ready to lead medical strategy in GI cancers and translate breakthrough science into better outcomes for patients worldwide? Do you thrive at the intersection of science, strategy, and cross-functional influence where your decisions shape clinical practice and business results?

Job description

In this role, you will set the medical direction for a critical GI oncology franchise, fusing robust evidence with clear strategy to change how patients are treated. You will partner closely with colleagues across the enterprise—from research and safety to field teams and market access—to ensure our science is communicated with integrity, our insights drive action, and our launches and lifecycle plans deliver real impact.

You will join a high-performing, collaborative team that learns fast, moves with purpose, and values both ambition and kindness. With access to cutting-edge research and a deep pipeline, you will have the platform to grow your expertise, influence global standards of care, and see your work make a measurable difference for patients, science, and society.

Accountabilities:

  • Medical Leadership: Lead Medical Affairs for the GI oncology franchise and provide medical leadership to the Core Medical Team, setting direction for evidence generation, launch readiness, and lifecycle strategy that elevates standards of care.
  • Evidence and Information Integrity: Ensure medical accuracy and fair balance of all medical information in promotional and learning materials for internal and external use, maintaining scientific rigor and compliance.
  • External Partnerships: Build credible relationships with advocacy, payer, and provider groups to align on patient needs, inform strategy, and shape scientific exchange that drives adoption of best practices.
  • Safety and Benefit-Risk: Provide medical input into the product safety profile in collaboration with Patient Safety physicians, interpreting emerging data and guiding risk communication and mitigation.
  • Field and Key Account Collaboration: Partner with Medical Science Liaisons and work closely with National Clinical Account Managers to support key accounts, translating insights into targeted medical plans and impactful engagements.
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Work collaboratively with commercial and scientific colleagues to integrate insights, align on priorities, and deliver coordinated, patient-centered outcomes across the franchise.

Essential Skills/Experience:

  • Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent
  • A minimum of 5+ years of related work experience in industry, clinical or research institution, preferably in oncology, rare disease, or related experiences
  • 1-3 years in HQ Medical Affairs role
  • A minimum of 3+ years of related work experience in industry, clinical or research institution, preferably in oncology, rare disease, or related experiences
  • Experience in supporting brands or disease area levels in-country, regional, or global organizations is preferred
  • Proven track record of interacting efficiently with both commercial and scientific/medical colleagues
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams
  • Ability to travel nationally and internationally
  • Highly developed written, verbal, and presentation skills
  • Travel will be up to ~30% of time.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

  • Solid understanding of FDA requirements
  • Experience in a strategy-setting role within Medical Affairs
  • Experience in navigating sophisticated business challenges
  • Experience in developing and maintaining a network that includes third-party expert
  • Experience in other relevant disease areas of interest through clinical experience, biopharmaceutical experience, or education may be considered
  • Knowledge of relevant Professional Societies and Scientific Medical Experts.
  • Experience with pharmaceutical drug development and Medical/Scientific Affairs

Requirements

  • Sophisticated Scientific Degree (MBBS, PharmD, PhD, or MD) or international equivalent
  • A minimum of 5+ years of related work experience in industry, clinical or research institution, preferably in oncology, rare disease, or related experiences
  • 1-3 years in HQ Medical Affairs role
  • A minimum of 3+ years of related work experience in industry, clinical or research institution, preferably in oncology, rare disease, or related experiences
  • Experience in supporting brands or disease area levels in-country, regional, or global organizations is preferred
  • Proven track record of interacting efficiently with both commercial and scientific/medical colleagues
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams
  • Ability to travel nationally and internationally
  • Highly developed written, verbal, and presentation skills
  • Travel will be up to ~30% of time.
  • Solid understanding of FDA requirements
  • Experience in a strategy-setting role within Medical Affairs
  • Experience in navigating sophisticated business challenges
  • Experience in developing and maintaining a network that includes third-party expert
  • Experience in other relevant disease areas of interest through clinical experience, biopharmaceutical experience, or education may be considered
  • Knowledge of relevant Professional Societies and Scientific Medical Experts.
  • Experience with pharmaceutical drug development and Medical/Scientific Affairs

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid leaves
  • Medical coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Short-term incentive bonus
  • Equity-based long-term incentive program

Company overview

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines that create enduring value for patients, society, and shareholders. With a workforce of over 94,300 employees worldwide, the company operates across three core therapy areas: Oncology, BioPharmaceuticals (including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory & Immunology), and Rare Disease. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca maintains strategic R&D centers in Cambridge, Gaithersburg (US), Boston (US), Gothenburg (Sweden), Shanghai, and Beijing. The company generated $54.1 billion in total revenue in 2024 and invested $13.6 billion in scientific research and development. AstraZeneca's bold aspiration is to be pioneers in science, lead in disease areas, and transform patient outcomes, with a goal to launch 20 new medicines and achieve $80 billion in total revenue by 2030. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, health equity, and creating an inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.

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