Clinical Research & Development Director

What You Will Do Externally recognized as a thought leader with deep expertise in both clinical research and development with deep understanding of autoimmune disease, specifically inflammatory myopathies, JIA and/or Sjogren's disease. Knowledge and expertise in cell therapy is a plus. Drive the integrated clinical research and development strategy and execution, to ensure value creation and regulatory/market success through innovative, cross-functional leadership.

Operate independently and at scale, influencing both operational excellence and strategic direction at the highest organizational levels. Typical Accountabilities - Develop and align strategies and objectives for Clinical Research & Development, ensuring they support AstraZeneca's global goals and product vision. - Lead and oversee execution and delivery of clinical research & development studies, ensuring scientific rigor, commercial viability, and patient-centric focus throughout the drug lifecycle. - Lead the work with Line Managers to identify resource need and secure resources to ensure flexible and timely formation of the Clinical Research & Development Teams and progression of deliverables - Provide strategic and operational input to ensure implementation of best practices, new technologies, processes, and global clinical strategies. - Manage resource planning in collaboration with line managers, securing talent and flexible teams to support dynamic project requirements. - Oversee budgeting, timelines, contingency and risk management planning, and escalate operational or strategic issues as appropriate. - Lead the negotiation and management of contracts with CROs and external service providers. - Drive the preparation, review, and delivery of regulatory submission materials and actively participates in regulatory defense/approval processes. - Has personal responsibility for creating a culture of courageous leadership, creativity and collaboration - Mentor, develop, and manage performance of line management and project teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering succession planning. - Ensure all work is compliant with internal and external standards, including Safety, Health, Environment, and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications and Skills Essential: Advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent) in a scientific, medical, or health-related discipline; Extensive experience in both clinical research and clinical development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry; Familiarity with the scientific and clinical community; Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional and/or senior project teams; Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution in both clinical research and clinical development environments; Strong knowledge of the drug development process, GCP/ICH guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements; Significant operational experience in the planning, delivery, and oversight of clinical trials and regulatory submissions; Budgetary, resource, and risk management expertise on a global or regional scale; Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to diverse stakeholders; Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead teams; Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, strategic influencing, and cross-functional collaboration; Commitment to compliance and safety, health, and environmental standards; Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required Desirable: Experience as a recognized expert or thought leader within the business and wider industry; Project management certification or formal training; Experience in the introduction or implementation of new technologies or innovative approaches within clinical research or development; Experience in change management and process improvement initiatives; Experience managing complex organizational structures or leading in a global organizational context; Extensive familiarity with key therapeutic areas relevant to AstraZeneca's portfolio; Record of effective succession planning and leadership development within multi-level teams; Experience in successful regulatory defense and participation in external advisory boards or similar expert panels; Advanced negotiation and contracting experience with CROs or external service providers; Ability to identify and leverage emerging trends in drug development, technology, and scientific innovation Key Relationship to Reach Solutions Internal: Study Delivery personnel; Data Management Centre representatives; Clinical Project Team and therapy area personnel; Clinical Development personnel; Clinical Pharmacology Units; Study Site personnel; Regional Monitoring personnel; Other Skill Centres as appropriate External: External service providers; Investigators and scientists and patient advocacy groups; and external Alliance partners Date Posted 09-Aug-2026 Closing Date 03-Sep-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.

In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company.

We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work.

Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society.

An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We're curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges.

We're driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab.

Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you'll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you'll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day.

This is your life at AstraZeneca.