The posting
This is what you will do
The Executive Medical Director (EMD) role is generally assigned to be responsible for overseeing 2 or more programs, providing oversight/guidance/mentoring to the Medical Directors and Clinical Development Scientists on the teams, serving on cross-asset strategic teams (e.g., disease strategy team) and providing input to strategic decisions at the TA Strategy Team and Global Medicine Team meetings.
Generally, the role may include managerial responsibilities over Senior Director, Medical Director Clinical Development directly and may support / oversee other Medical Directors/Clinical Development Scientists that report indirectly to the Executive Medical Director.
The EMD may support development of regulatory strategy, therapeutic area and other functional strategies.
Specifics of the specialized role
The EMD is a specialized role and is specifically designated to provide medical leadership and input to Program Teams during the early to late stage of drug development (i.e., transitioning molecule through IND/CTA and First-in-Human study stage to Proof-of-Concept and End-of-Phase-2 stage and beyond). The incumbent will serve as one of the medical experts for the study team(s) and may serve as the medical monitor for clinical trials as necessary.
In line with its seniority, the EMD is typically responsible for multiple clinical development programs in a therapeutic area spanning IND to POC/Phase 2/3 under the supervision of a VP Clinical Development TA Head. In addition, she/he may also have responsibility for discrete, specific business development efforts (e.g., a due diligence on a specific target) and keep close ties with the Discovery and Research organizations.
This position offers substantial opportunities for scientific and commercial interactions and career advancement in the fast-moving area of rare disease.
You will be responsible for
- Typically leading 2 program teams and drive the successful execution of clinical studies / programs / research strategies; define and manage the benefit to risk profile of our products
- Representing Clinical Development on the Global Program Team (GPT) and Global Medicine Team in presentations at management and review committees (e.g., Clinical Document Review Committee, Development and Commercial Steering Committee); advance understanding of the impact our therapies have on the pathophysiology of rare and orphan diseases through scientific discourse and interpretation of data
- Fostering development of Medical Directors and CDS and/or fellows. Lead and oversee 2 programs and the preparation and execution of a clinical development strategy and related documents including protocols, charters, statistical summary reports, meeting presentations, publications, and clinical sections of regulatory documents.
- Providing scientific and medical input (consultative services) to other R&D, commercial, translational, medicine and business development functions and leads and or oversees clinical activities to support due diligences
- Representing Alexion Clinical Development to internal (R&D management, cross functional development teams and executive committee) and external (academic, regulatory, and medical) communities.
- Overseeing a cross functional team which develops the clinical components of the CDP. Serve as the Clinical input to Global Development Team / Subteams and medical expert for the clinical study team. Oversees the writing of the clinical sections of the CTD, white papers, expert opinion reports, and regulatory responses
- Liaising internally with other members of the CDP to drive program strategy and CDPs. Coordinate communications and planning bet medical functions (Global Medical Affairs, Safety, Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Medical Science) as it relates to clinical development study design, execution and interpretation of results. Serves as the medical expert on the global product labeling team
- Driving awareness of internal and external developments (scientific, clinical, competitive, and regulatory) that could impact the development plan, including attendance at major scientific conferences, participation in competitive intelligence activities, and periodic literature review
- Writing or contribute to white papers, expert opinion reports, and regulatory responses
- Driving clinical support of business development activities, such as due diligence and research collaborations
- Critically evaluating available information about diseases of interest to the therapeutic area and the competitive landscape and synthesize information succinctly to support dissemination and incorporation into clinical development programs, asset plans and therapeutic area strategy
- Determine appropriate advisory boards experts
- Working as part of a cross-functional team with colleagues representing, for example, biostatistics, data management, clinical pharmacology, commercial, regulatory and project management
- May supervise other medical monitors on individual studies
You will need to have
- Required: M.D. or equivalent
- 7+ years of experience in clinical development; clinical research, global regulatory, and product development expertise
- Has prepared documents and attended regulatory meetings with FDA and other regulatory agencies
- Experience designing and executing multinational clinical trials required
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams to define clinical strategy and clinical study design
- Experience supporting business development activities
- MD or equivalent, preferably with clinical training
- PhD in related discipline desirable, but not required
- The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.
We would prefer for you to have
Preferred: Advanced knowledge of the assigned therapy area is desired, with the capability to interpret, discuss and represent trial or program level data.
7+ Years of experience in industry in clinical development is preferred
Working at Alexion
We’re inspired to think differently, to create better outcomes. By creating an unparalleled employee experience, our organization is equipped to adapt and enrich employees with a productive, engaging, and enjoyable work experience, while accelerating world-class leadership and innovation capabilities that can deliver on our mission. Each of us is accountable for delivering innovative medicines and supportive technology with integrity so we can truly understand and better the lives of people affected by rare diseases. Together, we can transform lives every day The Highest Standards By operating with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, we aspire to live up to the expectations of patients, physicians, and ourselves, and to earn trust in our communities. Diversity We encourage diversity of backgrounds and ideas. We genuinely care for and respect each other, working together as a high-performing team to deliver extraordinary results while embracing different perspectives. Dedication The dedication and passion of our employees enable us to stay focused on what matters most. We push ourselves to achieve the highest level of medical innovation, and to redefine what it means to live with a rare disease. In-Office Hybrid This role has an expectation of working in the office a minimum of 3 days a week. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. Inperson 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.
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.
Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from 331,873.60 to 497,810.40 USD Annual . Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
09-Nov-2026
Closing Date
22-Nov-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.
