Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Scientific Communications & Engagement

🔹 Company: AstraZeneca

🔹 Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: April 1, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the internal science engagement and communications strategy for Biologics Engineering and Oncology Targeted Discovery
• Collaborating with diverse stakeholders to align internal and external science communications
• Developing innovative solutions to enhance employee engagement and internal storytelling
• Championing a culture of learning and transparency within the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role requires balancing office presence with flexibility, shaping a proactive communications agenda to support strategic goals. This is inferred from the emphasis on an in-person working model blended with flexibility.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Define and implement the internal science communications and engagement strategy

✅ Manage the overarching internal editorial calendar to highlight key achievements

✅ Provide strategic input into broader communication strategies

✅ Partner with specific leaders to focus and develop content for varied engagements

✅ Enhance internal engagement through innovative, digital solutions

✅ Lead efforts to boost the external scientific reputation of AstraZeneca

✅ Drive collaborative outcomes by working within a matrix organization

ASSUMPTION: The mentioned roles suggest a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, assumed from the recurring emphasis on working with diverse leaders and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: BSc in Life Sciences

Experience: Extensive experience in strategic communications within the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector

Required Skills:

• Scientific knowledge in Oncology or similar areas
• Excellent English communication skills
• Proven ability to simplify complex scientific data for diverse audiences

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of social and traditional media engagement
• PhD or MSc in Life Sciences

ASSUMPTION: The qualification requirements focus heavily on scientific expertise and communication prowess, anticipated due to the scientific nature of the role enhancing corporate visibility.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive, specific figures not provided

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development
• Flexible working conditions

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with hybrid flexibility

ASSUMPTION: Competitive compensation is expected from a reputed company like AstraZeneca, but exact details are unspecified, likely to be discussed during the offer stage.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, a sector driving healthcare innovations

Company Size: 10,001+ employees; large scale offers varied career advancement opportunities

Founded: Precise founding details are unspecified but the company has a significant history in the industry.

Company Description:

• Transforming healthcare through scientific innovation
• Commitment to societal and environmental impacts
• Global presence and influence

Company Specialties:

• Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals
• Innovation in Research and Development
• Global Business Operations

Company Website: www.astrazeneca.com

ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's influence in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals is inferred from its global reputation and specialty focus.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior leadership role critical for driving internal strategies

Reporting Structure: Reports to Senior Vice President; high visibility within the organization

Work Arrangement: Hybrid model facilitating both on-site and flexible working

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership development through strategic guidance of multiple units
• Skill enhancement in complex stakeholder management
• Potential for upward mobility within a large, diverse organization

ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority of the role, significant career advancement and development opportunities are implied.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern biomedical campus promoting innovation and collaboration

Office Location(s): 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AA, UK

Geographic Context:

• Proximity to leading research institutions
• Access to a vibrant, multicultural city environment
• Well-connected transportation options

Work Schedule: Generally office hours with possibility of flexibility as per communication goals

ASSUMPTION: The campus setting is conducive to collaboration and scientific exchange, enhancing AstraZeneca's reputation in Cambridge's burgeoning research community.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application through AstraZeneca’s career portal
• Screening and shortlisting by HR
• Technical and leadership interviews

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic communication planning
• Stakeholder engagement abilities
• Scientific knowledge application

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience with strategic communications
• Showcase examples of leadership in scientific engagement
• Emphasize familiarity with digital communication platforms

ATS Keywords: Scientific Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Oncology R&D

ASSUMPTION: The emphasis on strategic communications and stakeholder management is predominant in the recruitment process, underscoring the complexity of this leadership role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Digital media platforms
• Internal communication tools
• Project management software

ASSUMPTION: The role likely uses comprehensive communication and project management tools to facilitate strategic alignment and internal engagement.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to innovation and scientific excellence
• Building an inclusive and collaborative environment
• Integrity in all engagements

Work Style:

• Collaborative and matrix-oriented engagement
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Proactive communication and problem solving

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do I approach complex stakeholder communications?
• What examples can I provide of successful strategic engagements?
• Am I comfortable working within a matrix organizational structure?

ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit emphasizes proactive and collaborative work styles due to the role's matrix management and stakeholder-driven nature.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating complex organizational structures
• Managing diverse stakeholder expectations
• Keeping scientific communications adaptable and clear
• Balancing internal and external communication priorities

ASSUMPTION: Accurate communication within both internal and external scopes is critical, suggesting challenges in aligning varied stakeholder interests effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Emphasis on strategic planning versus execution alone
• Greater involvement in scientific discourse than similar roles in non-pharma settings
• High visibility due to direct SVP support

ASSUMPTION: The distinctive scientific focus and strategic alignment required sets this role apart from broader communication roles.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a communication plan for a major scientific breakthrough
• Designing a digital engagement strategy for new research initiatives
• Leading an internal communications campaign tied to organizational goals

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects demonstrate the need for creative solutions to complex scientific topics, assumed from the role's innovation focus.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does AstraZeneca align its internal and external communication strategies?
• What are the key challenges in communicating scientific complexities to non-specialist audiences?
• Could you describe the company’s approach to digital engagement in science communication?
• What are the expectations for in-office versus virtual work?
• How does the company measure the success of its communications strategies?

ASSUMPTION: Communication strategy and digital engagement questions highlight dynamics of the role, indicating a blend of virtual and in-office expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Ensure your resume aligns with key competencies and skills
• Prepare to discuss relevant experiences in communications
• Be ready to engage with multiple interview stages
• Highlight strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.