About AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca (AZ), science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible to turn science into life-changing medicines for patients who need them most.

We have three therapy-focused R&D organisations who lead all our work, from discovery through to late-stage development: Oncology R&D is focused on cancer; BioPharmaceuticals R&D on Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), Respiratory and Immunology, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, and opportunistically, Neuroscience; Rare Disease focused on rare diseases across multiple therapy areas.

Hybrid Working

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working give 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.

R&D

Our R&D groups are unified in their approach, and united in their purpose working both independently and together, with shared functions specialising in key scientific capabilities from medicinal chemistry to biometrics, patient safety to data science and artificial intelligence (AI), and clinical innovation to device technology. All of this helps us accelerate discovery and development in our efforts to bring new medicines to patients.

What you’ll do

The R&D Communications Director will support Global Corporate Affairs to help tell the R&D story externally, uncovering, developing and delivering opportunities to showcase the great science and outstanding people we have in our teams. This will help position AstraZeneca as the best science-led organisation in the industry and the partner and employer of choice.

The role will involve working closely with R&D scientists, from discovery to development, as well as Global Corporate Affairs colleagues, developing multi-layered campaigns across digital, social and traditional media to bring the science of drug discovery and development to life, working across BioPharmaceuticals and our expert functions. The content and stories you develop will need to resonate with a wide range of primarily external audience groups including collaborators, recruits and media.

Responsibilities:

• Development and delivery of an integrated external communications plans to strengthen AstraZeneca’s reputation as a leader in science and technology platforms, across external stakeholders & channels

• Provide communications support and coaching to Expert Function Leaders, like Digital Health, Precision Medicine and Data Science &AI with regard to communicating scientific messages and external communications generally e.g. social

• Serves as counsellor and support for executive communications/external engagements for R&D leaders. Includes supporting key activities such as media interviews and speaking engagements.

• Showcase and amplify scientific publications relating to R&D science and tech, and highlight and support scientists across our digital platforms

• Ability to identify proactive comms opportunities and devise tactics that showcase R&D and are aligned with the overall strategy

• Support PR execution for partnering activities related to R&D science and tech, including development of press releases, statements, Q&As. Prepare for potential issues.

• Closely partner with AZ Global Media and digital communications teams on relevant communications activities and identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration

• Support the markets to effectively communicate about AstraZeneca’s scientific programmes and What Science Can Do

• Establish measures of success and implement relevant evaluation tools for all communications activities

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential for the role:

• Established track record of delivering impactful, content rich communications programmes across multiple channels and stakeholders with demonstrable measures of success

• Understanding and experience of creating scientific / technical content, ideally in biopharmaceutical context

• Experience of working with the media

• Experience of working with regional and market communicators to support excellent local delivery

• Exemplary native English-level written and verbal communications skills

• Team worker with high level of personal accountability

Desirable for the role:

• Entrepreneurial approach and desire to challenge the status quo

• Confidence around senior leaders and comfortable delivering alternative viewpoints

• Strong channel management, digital skills and knowledge of technology options

• Able to develop and maintain networks across business and cultural boundaries

• Ability to undertake global travel will be required, primarily between other AstraZeneca Strategic Science Centres

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 already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you!

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer.

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media,

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Date Posted

Closing Date