Executive Director, Cancer Vaccine Discovery

The Head of Cancer Vaccines in Infectious Diseases is responsible for leading efforts to develop and deliver strategies to program the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. The candidate will build a strategy to leverage the diverse modalities available at AstraZeneca to deploy polyclonal immunity against a range of tumor targets. The candidate will lead a team of scientists and cross-functional experts to build programs. The team will explore different strategies to identify novel candidates, validate neo-antigens, deliver mRNA, amplify immunity, driving early clearance and long-term durable surveillance. The role will be responsible for influencing senior internal stakeholders and manage external and internal collaborations to deliver effective solutions. In addition, the candidate must recruit, develop, and retain a strong, cutting-edge team, fostering a high-performance, innovative culture; building capabilities across immunology, oncology, and translational sciences; and establishing clear operating mechanisms to accelerate decision-making and delivery.

Typical Accountabilities

Develop a portfolio of cancer vaccine projects

Develop a strategy to support target discovery and product development and ensure cross functional strategic alignment.

Lead team to deploy immunity to a range of cancers, leveraging the diverse available platforms.

Oversee development of a portfolio of cancer vaccines across early discovery and research pipeline

Establish strategic relationships across the organization and functions

Oversight and accountability of partnerships with academic or outsourced partners

Develop internal and external partnerships to explore combinatorial strategies

Create and foster effective relationships with senior and executive stakeholders in Research, Bioprocess Development,

Clinical and Translational Medicine and Global Project Teams to ensure alignment across functions

Responsible for ensuring all projects within their area and their teams clearly and objectively communicate results, as well as their associated risks, uncertainties and limitations

Define the training standards for junior colleagues in line with best practices and principles

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent in immunology, oncology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline with 10+ yrs industry experience

Proven experience developing novel immunological approaches to deploy immunity to fight tumors

Proven experience with immune profiling, tumor modelling, systems biology, and/or immune oncology

Experience working in a cross-functional team to maximize expertise and accelerate success

Experience developing and implementing novel methods to support vaccine development

Experience supporting or leading interdisciplinary vaccine discovery or development programs

Proven experience leading and managing junior colleagues

Proven experience developing and controlling budgets

Excellent written and verbal communication, business analysis, and consultancy skills

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 225,900.80 - $338,851.20 USD. Hourly 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 (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). 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.

Date Posted

20-Aug-2026

Closing Date

26-Aug-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.