VP & Global Head – Discovery Chemistry, DMPK, Oncology Targeted Delivery

AstraZeneca

VP & Global Head, Discovery Chemistry and DMPK at AstraZeneca shaping innovative oncology drug discovery. Leading global teams in advancing drug modalities and operational excellence.

Posted 5/29/2026full-timeCambridge • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $336,785 - $505,178 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Discovery Chemistry & DMPK function
Partner with the senior leadership team to shape and execute the OTD strategy
Lead the discovery, optimization, and preclinical characterization of modalities supporting the OTD portfolio
Evolve scientific, technical, and organizational capabilities
Work closely with OTD functional leaders and critical partner functions
Lead, coach, and develop the senior leadership team within Discovery Chemistry and DMPK
Provide effective operational leadership
Drive portfolio prioritization decisions informed by scientific opportunity
Contribute to the broader strategic direction of OTD by establishing and advancing novel synthetic modalities
Build and maintain productive collaborations with leading academic institutions and external partners
Maintain and elevate the scientific standing of the Discovery Chemistry and DMPK organization.

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD or equivalent in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
Extensive pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience, including at least 15 years in roles of increasing responsibility
Proven track record of portfolio delivery, including the advancement of high-quality drug candidates into clinical development
Deep knowledge of discovery chemistry and DMPK principles underpinning small molecule discovery
Technology aware with experience and knowledge of applying AI and computational approaches to solve drug discovery challenges
Demonstrated success as a functional leader, with experience promoting, motivating, and empowering teams to achieve individual, functional, and enterprise goals
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder leadership skills
Significant experience leading strategic and operational change
Credibility and external standing to lead a global scientific function and represent it effectively.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to distill complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling messages.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
Equity-based long-term incentive program (for salaried roles)
Retirement contribution (for hourly roles)
Qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
Paid vacation and holidays
Paid leaves
Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

discovery chemistryDMPKdrug candidatessynthetic modalitiesAIcomputational approachesportfolio deliverypreclinical characterizationscientific opportunitypharmaceutical industry

Soft Skills

strategic leadershipcoachingteam developmentinterpersonal skillsstakeholder leadershipoperational leadershippromoting teamsmotivating teamsempowering teamscommunication skills

Certifications

PhD in Chemistryequivalent in a related scientific discipline