Director Scientific Affairs

CompanyAstraZeneca

LocationCambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/28/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Functional managers and directors not elsewhere classified.

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£74,700 (£38.31 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement

Duration - 12 months

Location - Cambridge, UK

Hybrid Work – 1 day per week in HQ

The Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement will lead the internal communications and engagement strategy for two global multi-site functions in Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, Biologics Engineering (BE) and Oncology Targeted Discovery (OTD).

Working with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, senior leaders and corporate affairs you will use proven and innovative mechanisms to bring our strategy and portfolio to life and inspire communities as we work towards achieving our bold ambition 2030. Through creative and impactful communications, the successful candidate will contribute to our ambition of building a culture of learning and transparency.

This critical role leads the internal science engagement and communications strategy for two functions Biologics Engineering and Oncology Targeted Discovery, acting as a key partner and point of contact for the SVP, providing dedicated strategic communications and support to this innovative, progressive and highly visible leader.

Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, you will develop an exciting internal communications agenda featuring innovative solutions to enhance employee engagement and tell the BE and OTD stories. You will partner with R&D corporate affairs to align and shape science communications that enhance the external reputation of these organisation and AstraZeneca

What you'll do

Define and implement the internal science communications and engagement strategy for BE and OTD, working closely with diverse stakeholders across AstraZeneca including the SVP, Business Planning & Operations (BPO) lead, and the BE and OTD Leadership Teams.
Work directly with the SVP and leadership teams to define the strategic focus and develop content for internal and external engagements (e.g. external scientific presentations and Town Hall meetings)
Provide strategic input into our broader Oncology R&D (ORD) internal communications strategy (events, awards, overarching campaigns)
Responsible for the overarching internal editorial calendar and messaging to raise the visibility of BE achievements and to communicate our scorecard (goals) progress

Support the SVP with their external and internal scientific presentations

Lead the strategy for enhancing engagement of BE Leadership team internally

Strong immersion in the scientific portfolio and project pipeline, understanding and championing the innovative scientific breakthroughs

Drive innovative solutions (including digital media and AI) to communicate our scorecard and scientific priorities and bring the BE science to life

Overall accountable for delivery of key business reports to capture scientific achievements / deliverables

Partner with Oncology R&D Corporate Affairs to craft external communications to enhance the external scientific reputation of BioEngineering and Oncology Targeted Discovery

Work as a strong, matrix stakeholder business partner to deliver in a collaborative and engaging manner leading to successful delivery against goals

Essential for the role

PhD in Life science
5 years+ experience working as a senior communicator (for example director level) supporting a highly visible and senior leader/executive as a strategic partner
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Proven capability to clearly articulate complex scientific data and turn it into effective and compelling communications that is appropriate for audience

Prior pharmaceutical/ healthcare experience in a strategic communications role

Broad knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process

Strong influencing, networking, and team leading skills with all levels of peers and colleagues. Self-starter with a track record of quickly building trust

A proven track record of delivering tasks in a timely manner; comfortable with prioritization and trade-off conversations

Experience in working within complex, fast-paced, high performing teams

Experience of supporting executive communications to engage and motivate internal associates – across geographic, seniority and functional levels

Desirable for the role

Understanding of external communication requirements with particular focus on social media and traditional media engagement
Scientific knowledge in Oncology or related science areas
Experience leading change or transformation communications