Job Description

AstraZeneca is establishing a brand‑new Cell Therapy Clinical Operations presence in Australia, and we’re seeking a Senior Director to partner with global and local leadership to stand up the function and then scale it across Australia and the wider APAC region.

This is a high‑influence role for a thought leader who can credibly engage senior stakeholders, translate complex cell therapy protocols into site‑ready execution, and set the bar for operational excellence.

You will bring demonstrated leadership—managing or coaching field teams, owning site performance metrics, and driving change—alongside deep technical credibility in either oncology, haematology and/or cell therapy with strong GCP and clinical operations fundamentals.

Familiarity with the Australian market is highly valued, and exposure to APAC or international environments is a strong advantage as you help build, operationalise, and expand this new capability.

The role

As a Senior Director - Field Clinical Advisor (FCA), Cell Therapy, you will operate at as the senior scientific and operational leader in a greenfield build, shaping how AstraZeneca delivers cell therapy trials across Australia from day one. You will lead protocol mastery across multiple indications, elevate site performance, and close education gaps at scale while orchestrating cross‑functional delivery with Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Patient Operations, Supply/Logistics and Country Operations. In a player–coach capacity, you will help recruit and develop a high‑calibre FCA cohort, establish standards and playbooks, and provide hands‑on support at priority sites—accelerating speed, quality, and consistency as the function scales.

What you’ll do

• Lead top‑tier protocol education and competency training; translate complex cell therapy science into pragmatic site actions across Australia/APAC
• Design and deliver initiatives that accelerate start‑up, improve patient selection, and lift recruitment while strengthening protocol adherence
• Serve as the field escalation point; drive RCA and CAPAs to cut deviations/data queries and codify best practices
• Systematically convert field insights into protocol/process adjustments and early risk signals as the portfolio scales
• Coordinate CTCO and partner teams for rapid, reliable site support using standardised playbooks and coverage models
• Represent AZ at key scientific meetings; pilot and scale innovations that enhance cycle times, quality, and site experience
• Recruit, onboard, and develop an FCA team; foster an inclusive, high‑performance culture grounded in patient safety and compliance

Essential skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a health‑related field; advanced degree preferred (PharmD, PhD, MSc, NP/PA, MD/RN or local equivalents).
• 5+ years in oncology/haematology or advanced therapies; cell therapy experience strongly preferred; proven ownership of site performance and senior stakeholder engagement
• Strong GCP/clinical ops expertise; able to turn complex protocols into site‑ready execution and scale across centres
• Track record leading trainings, influencing without authority, and driving change; people leadership or senior coaching experience
• Exceptional stakeholder communication; disciplined, compliant scientific exchange; data‑driven continuous improvement
• Comfortable across multiple studies in a fast‑moving environment; willing to travel across Australia and occasionally APAC

Desirable

• 5–8+ years in oncology/haematology/immunology/rare disease and/or advanced therapies; direct CAR‑T/cell therapy experience.
• Prior large‑pharma experience in cell therapy preferred; existing relationships with Australian centres, clinical leadership and hospital executives.
• Formal scientific training/protocol training expertise; experience leading SIV content and advanced readiness programmes at scale.
• Demonstrated success in talent development, performance management and scaling best practices across regions.
• Change leadership through ambiguity with strong prioritisation and decision‑making in early‑stage or rapidly scaling teams.

Impact of the role

In this senior capacity, you will define and then scale how we deliver cell therapy trials across Australia—reducing cycle times, elevating protocol adherence and accelerating access to innovative treatments, while building the leadership layer and operating model that enables sustainable growth.

Work pattern, location and travel (Australia)

• Location: Sydney or Melbourne
• Work pattern: Hybrid.Flexibility is expected as we establish and scale the function.
• Travel: regular domestic travel to priority sites and partners; occasional international travel within APAC and to global meetings/congresses as portfolio needs evolve.

Why AstraZeneca?

Join a purpose‑driven organisation at the forefront of cell therapy innovation, with the rare opportunity to be a founding senior member of our Australian Cell Therapy Clinical Operations capability.

Operate with scale and influence across multiple studies and indications, shape global standards locally, and lead and develop FCA talent while making hands‑on contributions at high‑priority sites in a rapidly growing portfolio. Thrive in an inclusive culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement and patient‑first thinking.

So, what’s next? If this sounds like you, apply today to help build—and scale—the next generation of cell therapy clinical delivery for patients across Australia and beyond. Please include a CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience.

Inclusion & diversity AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Date Posted

07-May-2026

Closing Date

07-June-2026

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.