Medical Sciences Director

The Medical Director will be focused on Kidney Disease and related conditions that impact kidney function . In this role, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of early clinical and translational research within CVRM. In the Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) Translational Medicine & Clinical Development (TSCD) department, we are investigating the underlying factors contributing to CVRM disease progression using advanced scientific methodologies and data-driven drug discovery. TSCD is where science meets clinical drug development with a focus upon delivering innovative, early phase clinical studies and accelerating human target validation while collaborating closely with our late phase clinical development and regulatory colleagues who guide our pivotal phase 3 clinical studies.
You will be responsible for managing and leading to early phase I-II global clinical trials and related clinical research projects for compounds that are targeting kidney disease, as well as serving as an expert on the design, conduct, monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting of these studies. Additionally, you will work on cross-functional teams within our TSCD group and across the broader global CVRM organization that are framing our strategies and development plans for compounds that are targeting cardiovascular diseases such as Heart Failure, as well as major metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, given that these disorders intersect with chronic kidney disease and influence disease progression.
Lead early Phase I–II global trials in kidney disease: clinical strategy, protocol design, study conduct, monitoring, data interpretation, and reporting, ensuring scientific integrity, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
integrate preclinical insights (target selection, pharmacology, in vivo/in vitro data) into early clinical plans and seamless transitions to late phase development.
Contribute to regulatory interactions and documentation (e.g., Advance the development and validation of nonclinical and surrogate endpoints (including imaging and biomarkers).
Represent TSCD internally and externally through presentations, publications, and scientific forums; Help evolve trial operations and site engagement to improve speed, quality, and inclusivity in early studies.
Collaborate across CVRM on programs in heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, given their intersection with kidney disease.
MD, MBBS or MD/PhD with clinical or research expertise in in the treatment of kidney diseases.
Minimum of 1 year of clinical research in academia and/or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
Experience designing, executing, monitoring, interpreting, and overseeing safety in early clinical and translational trials preferred.
Here, we need leadership at every level – Physicians who not only have clinical and scientific expertise, but also the ability to build a case, engage multiple partners, and communicate effectively with different audiences. Your curiosity and passion for personal development combined with support from colleagues, mentors and leaders, will ensure you maximize your skills, abilities and contribution.
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. 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.
We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.