Director, Internal Science Communications

Location: Cambridge, UK / Gothenburg, SWE

Competitive salary and benefits package

At AstraZeneca (AZ), science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible. To help transform the lives of patients around the word we are focusing on breakthrough science to discover and develop novel, targeted therapies for many of today’s most serious and complex diseases.

The Director, Internal Science Communications will support BioPharmaceuticals R&D, the Executive Vice President (EVP) BioPharmaceuticals R&D and their Leadership Team, through the generation of engaging internal content to showcase our scientific leadership. Through expert scientific knowledge this individual will develop scientific content, messaging and materials, support a range of scientific events and actively support enhancement of internal communications within BioPharma R&D.

You will be a key member of the BioPharmaceuticals R&D Corporate Affairs team, working closely with internal and external communicators to ensure alignment of BioPharma R&D pipeline activities and messaging.

Candidate Focus & Challenge

• Create compelling scientific content to showcase scientific leadership within BioPharmaceuticals R&D across a range of channels – R&D Seminars, AZ Talks, Science Catalyst comms, End of Year animations etc.

• Drive the delivery of enhanced Leader communications – supporting cascade of quarterly messages, provision of engaging content for use by BioPharma leaders and ownership of a refreshed BioPharma Leader Workplace group.

• Take a leading role in providing scientific content and support for internal science communication events, including Global Science Symposia, BioPharma SLM and R&D Awards.

• Lead translation of our priority science topic content from AZ.com to internal channels, to drive engagement with our internal audience.

• Take on ownership of BioPharma R&D channels – delivering content, new approaches and monitoring performance/metrics, to increase audience engagement

• Support Internal Communications Director in development and evolution of internal comms strategy, delivering novel approaches, and engaging multi-depth comms to increase engagement across BioPharma R&D.

• Prepare engaging content to showcase our scientific leadership in high impact publications, for use across a range of channels (Workplace, Nucleus, Wall of Fame, infographics for internal/external use).

• Lead delivery of sustainability and Inclusion & Diversity content, to effectively communicate BioPharma R&D goals, challenges and achievements in these areas in an engaging manner.

• Create scientific content for presentations for use by the EVP to internal and external audiences e.g. Town hall meetings, Science Committee & board presentations

• Actively seek out and work with BioPharmaceuticals R&D scientists to develop scientific examples that convey progress towards scientific leadership

• Provide support for timely communication of Pipeline milestones across BioPharma R&D, as needed.

Candidate Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• PhD or MS with significant experience of drug discovery/development

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as a proven track record of advanced communication and interpersonal skills

• Excellent PowerPoint skills

• Excellent project management skills

• Extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process

• Track record of planning and delivery success

• Excellent communication skills, particularly with scientific and complex information

• Proven ability to drive projects forward to a successful conclusion in a matrix organization

• Proactive with effective interpersonal and influencing skills

• Willingness and proven ability to function in a hands-on capacity when necessary to achieve milestones, resolve issues and build an organization/function capable of driving toward measurable objectives

• Able to recognize or anticipate change with appropriate response

• Demonstrate attention to detail

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to develop strong relationships with senior leaders and other key stakeholders

• Broad business perspective and acumen and goal-oriented approach

Job open date: 20/03/2023

Job close date: 14/04/2023

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.