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Astra Zeneca
Cambridge, Massachusetts · Hybrid

Global Clinical Head (Pulmonologist)- Executive Director

PulmonologyFull-Time

Listed compensation

$332k-$498k

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 41m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Are you a clinical research expert ready for new opportunities? Would you like to play a pivotal role in the development of potential medicines? If you are passionate about being a medical leader for a cross-functional team in a group that drives action towards the improvement of global public health– join us!

As Global Clinical Head (Executive Director) you will have a unique opportunity to further elevate the Infectious Disease Unit in one of the world’s most respected biopharmaceutical companies.

The role holds a significant development opportunity for the successful candidate whilst contributing to the positive journey that AstraZeneca is on.

Accountabilities

The Global Clinical Head (GCH) will have overall clinical leadership of one or more global products in the Infectious Disease pipeline specifically related to the prevention of infections in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

The GCH is also responsible for medical/scientific strategies for the clinical components of the Target Product Profile (TPP), Clinical Development Plan (CDP), and regulatory documents (e. g., briefing documents, CTD/BLA, core labelling texts).

Within the Clinical Project Team, the GCH has accountability for the clinical, scientific, and value content and delivery of the medical components for the program to time and quality.

The GCH will be the team’s voice and representative on the Global Project Team that oversees the overall strategy of Infectious Disease Unit’s products.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Graduate of a recognized school of medicine with an MD degree or equivalent with board-certification in pulmonology
  • Demonstrated clinical research expertise in Pulmonology (especially in COPD and bronchiectasis)
  • Pharma industry experience in clinical drug development for at least 10 years
  • Experience in early and late stage program development and trial conduct
  • Developed/delivered in parallel multiple complex and/or large studies (e. g., including but not limited to global, pivotal Phase 3 efficacy studies)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead the development of a program strategy (e. g., Clinical Development Plans) and be accountable for project plans, timelines, progress, and outcomes
  • Writing and delivery of global regulatory submissions (e. g., NDA/BLA submissions, benefit/risk assessment) and interacting with major Health Authorities (e. g., FDA, EMA, PMDA, CDE)
  • Demonstrated ability leading and motivating teams in a matrix environment
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor physicians and other clinical scientists
  • Significant hands-on clinical drug development experience and scientific credibility
  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate excellent cross-functional collaborations
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels of the organization
  • Must demonstrate high integrity
  • Organize and deliver Advisory Boards with international Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)
  • Demonstrated AI/digital mindset and experience applying AI-enabled and generative AI tools to support clinical development activities (e. g., data analysis, medical writing, clinical trial operational efficiency)

Desirable Skills/Experience:

  • Infectious disease and/or vaccine expertise
  • Named Investigator on a number of clinical trials
  • Significant and consistent peer-reviewed publication track record

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. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca?

We are a changemaker on the world stage at an exciting frontier of medicine. This is backed by deep knowledge and experience in our field. Building on this, we lead the way into the future with energy and drive.

We are helping to transform healthcare and build pandemic preparedness to protect against future health crises and to bring lasting immunity to people around the globe.

We are committed to our central role in addressing pandemic and endemic diseases and ensuring our products continue to reach and benefit millions of people around the world.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from USD 331,873.60 – 497,810.40. 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 (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles).

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. ​

  • Date Posted
  • 28-Sep-2026
  • Closing Date
  • 11-Oct-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.

Key Responsibilities

Provide clinical leadership for global infectious disease pipeline products focused on preventing infections in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Lead medical and scientific strategy and delivery for clinical development plans, target product profiles, regulatory documents, and cross-functional project teams.

Requirements

Requires an MD or equivalent from a recognized medical school, board certification in pulmonology, and at least 10 years of pharmaceutical clinical drug development experience. Candidates should have expertise leading complex early- and late-stage trials, global regulatory submissions, matrix teams, physician development, and AI-enabled clinical development activities.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
10+ years of experience

Key Skills

Clinical Development PlanningClinical Trial LeadershipHealth Authority EngagementCross-Functional LeadershipTeam Coaching and MentoringAdvisory Board LeadershipArtificial Intelligence

Pulmonology — Physician Career Context

Astra Zeneca holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 73/100, 23 active listings.

Pulmonology pay on WeekdayDoc is down 5.9% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Massachusetts is 105.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$415k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $392k in an average-cost state. 63.2% of Massachusetts clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Annual compensation range

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Work-life snapshot

median 3.9this job 4.2
Better work-life than 50% of Pulmonology listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 94 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Hybrid
  • Remote
Astra Zeneca logo

About Astra Zeneca

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
10,000+ employees

Benefits & Perks

Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
Equity-based long-term incentive program
401(k) plan
Paid vacation and holidays
Paid leaves
Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage