Executive Director, Search and Evaluation – Oncology

AstraZeneca

. Lead scientific and strategic aspects of business development opportunities from initial engagement through diligence, governance, negotiation, and execution .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $229,151 - $343,727 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced expertise in oncology biology, drug discovery, and clinical development, with a strong focus on business development practices and transaction management. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex scientific and strategic matters to senior stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Oncology Biology ExpertiseBusiness Development ExperienceTransaction Structuring and NegotiationExecutive-Level Communication SkillsCross-Functional Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Advanced Scientific QualificationDrug DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentOpportunity AssessmentScientific DiligenceBusiness-Case DevelopmentRisk AssessmentValuation ConsiderationsNegotiationFinancial Modelling

Soft Skills

Influencing SkillsCoachingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Data Science ToolsArtificial Intelligence Tools

Industry Keywords

OncologyPharmaceuticalsBiotechnologyVenture CapitalAcademic PartnershipsCorporate DevelopmentExternal InnovationLicensingAcquisitionsResearch Collaborations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead scientific and strategic aspects of business development opportunities from initial engagement through diligence, governance, negotiation, and execution
Act as a senior scientific partner to external organisations and transaction teams
Shape deal structures and terms reflecting opportunity risks, value inflection points, and development strategy
Maintain an external network and market perspective across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, venture capital, and oncology
Use emerging science, competitor intelligence, and industry trends to inform portfolio decisions
Translate external developments into actionable Oncology R&D recommendations
Lead cross-functional evaluations integrating scientific, clinical, competitive, operational, commercial, financial, regulatory, legal, and manufacturing considerations
Develop executive-ready assessments and business cases for senior leadership and governance bodies
Communicate complex scientific, strategic, and transaction matters to senior stakeholders
Co-coach Search and Evaluation colleagues and cross-functional contributors
Support effective transition to post-deal teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced scientific or clinical qualification relevant to oncology (BSc or above)
At least 10 years of relevant experience
Deep expertise in oncology biology, drug discovery, and clinical development
Extensive pharmaceutical or biotechnology business development experience
Experience identifying, evaluating, diligencing, structuring, negotiating, and progressing complex transactions
Strong understanding of business development and transaction practices, including opportunity assessment, scientific and clinical diligence, business-case development, governance, risk assessment, valuation considerations, and negotiation
Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional diligence and transaction teams
Executive-level communication and influencing skills
Established credibility and network within oncology biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, investment, or venture communities
Desirable: experience in Oncology Search and Evaluation, licensing, corporate development, or related external-innovation roles
Desirable: experience across transaction structures including in-licensing, acquisitions, options, research collaborations, co-development, platform transactions, or out-licensing
Desirable: experience evaluating early-stage scientific opportunities and clinical-stage oncology assets
Desirable: experience leading, coaching, or developing scientific or business development professionals
Desirable: international experience building partnerships across cultures and regions
Desirable: familiarity with financial modelling, valuation, and corporate-finance principles
Desirable: experience using data science or artificial-intelligence tools for external-innovation scouting, landscape assessment, or opportunity evaluation

Benefits

Comp & perks

Short-term incentive bonuses
Equity-based awards for salaried roles
Qualified retirement programs
Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, and leaves
Health, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible working arrangements while averaging a minimum of three days per week from the office