Head of Academic Alliances

Do you have a strategic mindset, collaborative skillset, and people leadership that enables you to deliver positive outcomes on high-impact collaborations and complex strategic topics? Are you looking to demonstrate those skills to help lead the team that shapes our future Biopharmaceuticals alliances strategy? 

About AstraZeneca 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company and our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. This is the place to make an impact. Here we ensure everyone can reach their full potential, perform at their best and make a valued contribution to the enterprise. 

Within Biopharmaceuticals R&D, we are empowered to be bold, take calculated risks and use our intelligence and courage to always follow the science. 

Biopharmaceuticals Strategy, Business Development & Alliances, Competitive Intelligence Team  

Our team is being built to sit at the center of Biopharmaceuticals R&D – driving our R&D strategy and addressing the unmet needs and future focus of AstraZeneca’s Biopharmaceuticals pipeline. We operate both internally and externally, leading collaboration and acquisition opportunities as well as partnering closely with external alliances.  

Responsibilities:  

In this role, you will report to SVP, Biopharmaceuticals R&D Strategy, Business Development & Alliances, Competitive Intelligence and be accountable for the development of an overarching academic alliance strategy for R&D Biopharmaceuticals, whilst working with our therapy areas to assess the impact of our scientist-led collaborations whilst ensuring their compliant delivery.

What you will do: Deliver strategic planning for our collaborations, including: 

• Deliver an overarching strategy for our academic collaborations.
• Form a strong network of academic medical centers to address challenges in our Biopharma portfolio.
• Build strategic partnerships, responsive to the needs of our therapy areas.
• Work with our therapy areas to ensure compliance and assess impact of our current collaborations.

How you will operate:

• Lead the transactions team, who carry out negotiation and legal contracts for Biopharma collaborations
• Lead alliance managers within your function, to establish strategic partnerships
• Form strong networks with Academia and Academic Medical Centers to identify possible strategic alliances and opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with our therapy area alliance teams, who manage TA scientist-led collaborations.

Basic Qualifications:

• BA/BS and 10 years of combined experience in life sciences with a focus on research, collaborations, and management.
• OR PhD or MD and 5 years of combined experience in life sciences with a focus on research, collaborations, and management.
• Experience forming major collaborations between Pharmaceutical companies and academia/academic medical centers
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior executive teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence experienced professionals.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly-matrixed work environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills with consultative approach and ability to interact and build trust
• Operational effectiveness, highly organized process with follow through
• Strong initiative to understand our core business goals and establish processes or programs to set direction, generate alignment and push forward
• Resourceful, motivated, influential and proactive; able to prioritize in a fast-growing organization
• Scientific background
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical business (including R&D)
• Experience in translating business needs into a coordinated plan from cross-functional senior leadership team

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $ 270,221 - 405,332. However, 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 salary (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. 

 

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.

 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Date Posted

01-Jun-2026

Closing Date

07-Jun-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.