📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Scientific Communications and Engagement
🔹 Company: AstraZeneca
🔹 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals, Scientific Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and managing impactful scientific communications for internal and external audiences
- Collaborating with LDO and CMO leaders to highlight scientific vision and achievements
- Creating engaging scientific content, including presentations and articles, for various audiences
- Supporting the delivery of LDO internal engagement events and measuring their impact
- Acting as a conduit of information exchange between global corporate affairs teams, LDO, and enterprise-wide programs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong scientific background and excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and managing scientific communications and content for LDO and CMO, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and high-quality standards
✅ Creating scientific PowerPoint presentations and written articles for internal and external audiences
✅ Supporting the development of the scientific narrative, key messages, and themes for LDO and CMO
✅ Recognizing novel methods for measuring engagement with content via various channels
✅ Supporting the delivery of LDO internal engagement events, including townhalls and congress events
✅ Designing and implementing a communications team measurement strategy to capture the impact of tactics and inform strategy adjustments
✅ Exhibiting a resourceful approach to researching information and delivering accurate, up-to-date summaries of key scientific initiatives at AZ Oncology
✅ Keeping abreast of internal and external innovation and scientific trends to ensure content is relevant and applicable to all audiences
✅ Improving LDO brand presence across internal and external channels by crafting impactful content 'vehicles' that improve collaborator positioning and visibility
✅ Actively seeking opportunities to elevate the work of LDO across the enterprise
✅ Maintaining communications resources on SharePoint Online and driving engagement with these
✅ Coordinating LDO input into monthly reports and employee briefing packs
✅ Collaborating with communications leads across Oncology ORD to tell an integrated and collaborative story
✅ Delivering impactful, compelling scientific copy and content alongside thorough editorial review across all LDO internal and external communication initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively in an evolving environment with shifting priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master's degree (MSc) in a life sciences discipline
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in crafting impactful scientific communications for various audiences
Required Skills:
- Advanced MS Office skills, with a focus on PowerPoint
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process
- Excellent project management skills
- Strategic attitude and thinking
- Strong influencing, networking, and team working skills
- Proven track record of delivering tasks in a timely manner
- Comfortable working in an evolving environment with changing deadlines and priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively and communicate appropriately across a range of cultures
- Highly developed interpersonal, communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills
Preferred Skills:
- PhD in a life sciences discipline
- Scientific in-depth knowledge in the Oncology field
- Working knowledge and experience of visual communications strategies, such as creating slides, workplace posts, and videos that improve audience engagement
ASSUMPTION: While a PhD is not required, it may be beneficial for candidates with less experience in the field to demonstrate a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 120,000 - 160,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Generous time-off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
- Learning and development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible work arrangements (Hybrid: 3 days on-site)
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines to treat diseases with high unmet need. The company operates in over 100 countries and has a diverse pipeline of medicines in various stages of development.
Company Size: AstraZeneca is a large company with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams.
Founded: AstraZeneca was founded in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. The company has a rich history in pharmaceutical research and development.
Company Description:
- AstraZeneca is committed to following the science and turning ideas into life-changing medicines
- The company focuses on three therapy areas: Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Neuroscience
- AstraZeneca is dedicated to sustainability and has ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025 and become a net-zero carbon company by 2030
Company Specialties:
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Global business operations
- Innovation and collaboration with external partners
Company Website: www.astrazeneca.com
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's large size and global presence provide opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams. The company's focus on sustainability and innovation makes it an attractive place to work for candidates interested in making a positive impact on both patients' lives and the environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, offering the opportunity to lead and mentor team members while collaborating with executive leaders.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director reports directly to the Director, Scientific Communications for LDO & CMO and is a member of the Oncology R&D Scientific Communications Network.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working on-site for three days a week and remotely for the remaining two days.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and grow within the role
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from executive leaders and other senior team members
- Chance to work on high-impact projects that address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop leadership skills, expand scientific knowledge, and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AstraZeneca's Mississauga office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.
Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Mississauga is the sixth-largest city in Canada and is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities
- Mississauga is home to a thriving business community, with many multinational corporations having a presence in the city
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in managing work-life balance while ensuring regular on-site collaboration and engagement with the team.
ASSUMPTION: Mississauga's diverse and vibrant community, along with AstraZeneca's modern and collaborative work environment, makes it an attractive location for candidates seeking a balance between professional growth and personal fulfillment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with team members and stakeholders
- Final interview with the Director, Scientific Communications for LDO & CMO
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Scientific knowledge and expertise
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Project management and organizational skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with AstraZeneca's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant scientific communications experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of AstraZeneca's mission, values, and the role's responsibilities in your application materials
- Prepare examples of your scientific communications work, such as presentations or articles, to showcase your skills during the interview
- Research AstraZeneca's recent scientific achievements and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience can contribute to the company's ongoing success
ATS Keywords: Scientific Communications, Content Development, Project Management, Oncology, LDO, CMO, AstraZeneca, Hybrid Work, Mississauga
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's mission and values. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in scientific communications and their ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- SharePoint Online
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Design and visual communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard in the scientific communications and project management fields. Candidates should be comfortable using these tools and be able to learn new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centric: We put patients first in everything we do
- One AstraZeneca: We are one team with a shared purpose
- Bold: We dare to push the boundaries of what's possible
- Innovative: We embrace change and challenge the status quo
- Performance-driven: We deliver on our promises
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals
- Agile: We adapt and pivot as needed to respond to changing circumstances
- Data-driven: We make decisions based on evidence and insights
- Inclusive: We foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected
- Accountable: We take ownership of our responsibilities and deliver on our commitments
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with AstraZeneca's patient-centric value, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle this, and what was the outcome?
- How do you approach collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's culture is centered around its core values, which guide the company's mission to deliver life-changing medicines and improve patient outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values and their ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Balancing the need for scientific accuracy with the requirement to deliver content quickly and efficiently
- Navigating a large, global organization with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in the company's strategic priorities and communication goals
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in a role that requires strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior scientific communications roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with LDO and CMO leaders and partners to highlight scientific vision and achievements
- Oncology is a high-priority therapy area for AstraZeneca, with significant investment in research and development and a strong pipeline of innovative medicines
- This role offers the chance to work on high-impact projects that address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes, providing significant career growth and development opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on LDO and CMO communications and offers a compelling opportunity for candidates interested in working at the intersection of science, communications, and leadership.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a scientific communications plan for an upcoming LDO congress event, including creating presentations, managing speaker logistics, and coordinating with therapy area experts
- Crafting a narrative and key messages for a high-profile LDO publication, ensuring accurate and engaging scientific content that resonates with the target audience
- Creating a visual communications strategy for an LDO internal engagement event, including designing slides, workplace posts, and videos that improve audience engagement and enhance the overall event experience
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from strategic communications planning to tactical content creation and event management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within LDO and CMO, and how this role fits into the broader organization?
- How does AstraZeneca support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in scientific communications roles?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing LDO and CMO, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does AstraZeneca measure the impact and effectiveness of its scientific communications initiatives, and how can this role help improve these metrics?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how can I best prepare to address them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role's context, priorities, and growth opportunities, as well as AstraZeneca's approach to scientific communications and employee development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant scientific communications experience and skills, and demonstrate your understanding of AstraZeneca's mission, values, and the role's responsibilities
- Prepare examples of your scientific communications work, such as presentations or articles, to showcase your skills during the interview
- Research AstraZeneca's recent scientific achievements and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience can contribute to the company's ongoing success
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
