Location: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Hybrid: 3 days on site
The US Senior Medical Director – Biologics provides US medical leadership for tezepelumab in severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other disease areas of interest. The role is an integral part of the US Core Medical Team (CMT) and is a primary US medical point of accountability for scientific strategy, evidence generation, and external engagement.
This role is ideally suited for a physician or pharmacist with deep expertise in a relevant medical specialty and experience across late-stage development, launch readiness, and post-approval medical excellence. The Senior Medical Director ensures US medical strategy is aligned with global direction while remaining responsive to the healthcare and clinical landscape within the United States.
At AstraZeneca, teams work across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to complex challenges. This role sits at the heart of that mission, combining scientific depth with strategic leadership to advance care in multiple chronic inflammatory diseases.
Reporting directly to the US Medical Head of tezepelumab, this leader will guide a high-performing team, drive launches, and influence how evidence, access and clinical practice come together to improve outcomes for patients.
Accountabilities:
US Medical Strategy & Asset Leadership:
Serve as a US medical lead for tezepelumab activities, accountable for development and execution of the US Brand Medical Plan across pre- and post-approval stages.
Provide strategic medical input to US brand and launch strategy, ensuring alignment of scientific priorities with patient and clinical needs.
Translate complex biology, clinical data, and disease state insights into actionable US medical strategies.
Medical Responsibilities:
Lead ongoing post-approval medical strategy to support appropriate scientific exchange and optimize patient care.
Drive Phase 4 and lifecycle management strategy, including real-world evidence (RWE) and effectiveness studies relevant to US clinicians and payers.
Provide medical mentorship for US publication strategy and congress planning; medical review of promotional and non-promotional materials.
US publication management and congress coordination.
Scientific response strategy and data dissemination.
Serve as a medical spokesperson for the US brand as appropriate, supporting external scientific discussions and media inquiries.
Maintain accountability for the evolving US product scientific narrative, incorporating new data, guidelines, and real-world insights.
External Engagement & Scientific Exchange (US-focused):
Design and implement a comprehensive US external engagement plan, including:
Ensure high-quality, compliant scientific exchange that advances medical knowledge and education.
Evidence Generation & Medical Governance:
Collaborate with medical evidence and payer teams to build and implement:
Provide medical review and governance for Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) proposals.
Provide medical input into product safety strategy in collaboration with Patient Safety colleagues.
Ensure compliance with all US regulatory requirements, FDA standards, PhRMA Code, and AstraZeneca policies.
Internal Collaboration & Capability Building:
Provide clinical education and scientific training for:
US Field Medical organization
Cross-functional partners (commercial, market access, HEOR)
Act as a trusted US medical advisor to internal team members on disease strategy and emerging science.
Maintain strong collaboration with global medical and clinical teams, ensuring seamless alignment while representing US medical needs.
Minimum Requirements:
Doctoral degree (MD, PhD, MBBS or PharmD)
3+ years of demonstrated experience or strong expertise in respiratory, allergy/immunology, or gastroenterology.
Experience in late-phase clinical development and/or post-approval medical affairs.
Well-developed insight into the US regulatory environment, including FDA and OPDP.
Excellent scientific communication, presentation, and customer engagement skills.
Ability to travel 25% on average within the US and occasionally internationally.
Preferred Requirements:
Board certification or eligibility in Internal Medicine, preferably with specialization in pulmonology, immunology and allergy, or digestive system disorders.
Strong biologics and new product launch experience.
Prior US pharmaceutical medical affairs experience, preferably in biologics.
Experience supporting first in class, disease-modifying, or specialty products.
Strong understanding of the US payer and provider landscape.
Shown success in cross-functional leadership and launch execution.
Why AstraZeneca?
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $243,586.40 - $365,379.60 USD. Annual and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Are you ready to be part of a talented, cross-functional team working together to improve lives and make the biggest possible impact for patients, science and society?
Apply now!
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.