Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement

Role: Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement

Location: Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK

Competitive salary and benefits package

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. Join us in our unique and ambitious world!

Are you an effective and creative communicator? Do you enjoy working with a diverse range of people? Are you passionate about scientific advances?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the internal science engagement and communications 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 which This role will act 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

Typical Accountabilities:

Defines and implements the internal science communications and engagement strategy for BE and OTD, working closely with diverse stakeholders across AstraZeneca including the Senior Vice President, Business Planning & Operations leads and the Leadership Teams.

Responsible for the overarching internal editorial calendar and messaging to raise the visibility of BE/OTD achievements (e.g.milestones) and to communicate our scorecard progress

Provides strategic input into our broader BE/OTD internal communications strategy (events, awards, overarching campaigns)

Works directly with the SVP and her leadership team to define the strategic focus and develop content for internal and external engagements (e.g. external scientific presentations and Town Hall meetings)

Supporting the SVP with her external and internal scientific presentations

Leads the strategy for enhancing engagement of BE/OTD leaders internally

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

Drives innovative solutions (including digital media) to communicate our scorecard and scientific priorities and bring the BE/OTD science to life

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

Partners with Oncology R&D corporate affairs to craft external communications to further enhance the external scientific reputation of BE/OTD

Works as a strong, matrix stakeholder manager to deliver in a collaborative and engaging manner leading to successful delivery against goals

Essential requirements:

BSC in life sciences

Scientific knowledge in the Oncology field or related areas

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Proven capability to clearly articulate complex scientific data into effective and compelling communication that is appropriate for the level of audience

Broad knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process

Extensive experience working as a senior communicator directly supporting a highly visible and senior leader/executive

Prior pharmaceutical/ healthcare experience in a strategic communications role

Experience leading change communications

Strong influencing, networking and team leading skills with all level of peers and colleagues

A proven track record of delivering tasks in a timely manner

Experience in working in a complex, fast paced, high performing team

Experience of supporting executive comms across digital and social media channels

Desirable requirements:

Understanding of external communication requirements with particular focus on social media and traditional media engagement

PhD or MSc in Life science

So, whats next?

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we cant wait to hear from you.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.