Search and Evaluation Director, Respiratory & Immunology

The Search and Evaluation Director, Respiratory & Immunology is a key role in Biopharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, supporting global Business Development initiatives with a direct impact on the scientific strategy and portfolio. The S&E group is responsible for driving search efforts for external innovation throughout the Biopharma R&D R&I community and conducting technical due diligence activities that ensure an in-depth understanding of investment opportunities and provide effective decision-making tools for the organization. In this role, you will have a major impact on the strategic development of Biopharmaceuticals R&D, R&I, ensuring that the portfolio is delivered and that the science, capabilities, and portfolio are fit for future challenges and opportunities.

To be successful in this role, you will need a strong R&D scientific and/or clinical background, business and strategic acumen, and excellent communication skills. In addition, an ability to engage and collaborate across boundaries with an entrepreneurial attitude and delivery focus.

What you will do:

• Identify, evaluate, and maintain the landscape of external in-licensing opportunities from academia, biotechs, and peer-pharma, including early research projects, new modality platforms, early and late clinical stage candidates, and Life Cycle Management opportunities.
• Represent the Business Development strategy at partnering meetings to identify and triage external assets and opportunities related to R&I.
• Integrate input from various functional areas across the organization to create high-quality, clear, and concise confidential evaluation reports of external assets and will provide recommendations to the Head of S&E.
• Identify and evaluate key strategic collaborations and technical platform capabilities that can enhance the scientific credibility and portfolio of Biopharmaceuticals R&D R&I.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools and demonstrate AI readiness to enhance search capabilities, accelerate data analysis, and improve decision-making processes in asset evaluation and competitive intelligence.
• Work constructively with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams, including commercial, to ensure effective communication, efficient decision-making, and timely completion of transactions with BD teams.
• Track breakthrough innovation, ongoing clinical trials, and market trends of existing external R&I opportunities using competitive intelligence tools to identify opportunities, threats, and risks in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

• MD or PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience in life sciences or consulting.
• MBA is a plus
• Strong scientific reputation in drug discovery and clinical development in R&I.
• Basic understanding of deal-making.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively.
• Proven leadership abilities in an R&D environment.
• Strong understanding of clinical development experience in R&I, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D, demonstrating international experience in multiple cultures and R&D environments.
• Ability to think critically, creatively, and to anticipate and solve problems.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly-matrixed work environment.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $172,624 - $258,936. 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. 

Date Posted

30-Mar-2026

Closing Date

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.