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Senior Director, Bioconjugate Therapeutics, Biologics Engineering

Location: Gaithersburg, MD/Waltham, MA

At AstraZeneca, we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to complex problems and challenges. Every one of our employees makes a difference in patients’ lives every day. We are building a strong pipeline and turning ideas into life-changing medicines that benefit patients around the globe. Recent years have seen rapid advances in the field of Antibody Drug Conjugates and AstraZeneca is determined to become a world leader in this key area of oncology. To succeed in this vision, AstraZeneca is seeking a skilled Protein Engineering/Bioconjugation expert to lead a high-performing team engaged in the discovery of novel   tumor-targeting delivery modalities within the global Biologics Engineering group.  

The Senior Director, Bioconjugation will lead a multidisciplinary team playing a critical role delivering innovative protein engineering and bioconjugation solutions in biologics drug discovery in the area of ADC and radioconjugates (RC). This individual will formulate a strategic direction for ADC therapeutics pipeline and champion the development of new conjugation technologies integrated with next generation biologics discovery platforms. This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and decisive leader with  high degree of creativity combined with comprehensive understanding of drug discovery processes in the ADC and RC space along with excellent decision-making skills to shape the future of AZ targeted-delivery pipeline. 

Major responsibilities include:

·        Lead technology development to improve tissue specific targeting and therapeutic index of tumor-targeting modalities, such as ADCs and RCs. These include protein  and linker engineering, site-specific conjugation, novel warhead development, and utilization of diverse formats such as traditional and bispecific antibodies, fragments and different protein scaffolds.

·        Act as Protein Engineering/ Bioconjugation expert in targeted delivery modalities for ADC leading a diverse group of scientists ensuring the delivery on the organizational priorities.

·        Work closely and collaboratively with TTD Biosciences, Chemistry, and other key functions, like BPD, CPSS, driving integrated platform development approach.

·        Interact and collaborate with leaders and teams across key therapeutic areas on pipeline delivery and modern technology development.

·        Maintain high degree of awareness of the internal and external technology development in targeted delivery space.

·        Foster an environment and culture that promotes transparency, innovation and creativity leading to new opportunities for the company and creation of intellectual property.

·        Establish a network of external partners from academia and industry to strengthen capabilities and capacity in bioconjugation, ADC and RC.

·        Partner with Business Development to pursue investments that further the BE strategy.

·        Develop and manage timelines, resources and operating budget.

·        Provide growth, career development and carry out performance management for a diverse team.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering or related scientific subject area. Extensive industry experience in discovery and development of ADC in oncology drug discovery. Proven track  record of pipeline contribution is key for this role.
• 7 year of experience in building and leading high-performing ADC teams, proven ability to establish strategic collaborations, and drive innovative science.
• Abilities to think strategically, act decisively, collaborate effectively, and drive team  performance delivering protein engineering and bioconjugation solutions to accelerate AZ pipeline.
• Recognized leader and subject matter expert in ADC space including  next generation ADC platform technologies with a record of accomplishment and significant contribution to the successful identification of clinical development candidates.
• Extensive knowledge of critically relevant areas such as analytical characterization, formulation, and the general CMC scope for ADC biologics.
• Ability to advance projects against accelerated timelines, clearly define go/no go decisions points, with sharp focus on execution.
• Experience with Project Management (budgeting, timelines, resourcing, planning).
• Excellent communication skills, highly effective in interacting with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and coaching skills.

Why AstraZeneca:

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

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 authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.