The VP Medicinal Chemistry will be accountable for developing a long-term vision and strategy for Chemistry and molecule discovery broadly, and will be expected to contribute to disease area strategies within these therapy areas. Working as part of a global leadership team the role holder will be accountable for developing the future of the Medicinal Chemistry capability, while building trusting relationships with senior scientific colleagues internally and externally to AstraZeneca. In addition to having a strong track record for successful delivery of clinical candidates, the role holder will be a leader in the creation and adoption of Artificial Intelligence methods within chemistry design and synthesis, with experience of the discovery of novel small molecule modalities including PROTACs and Molecular Glues. They will be a recognised leader in the field of Medicinal Chemistry with an extensive external network and scientific presence and will be expected to initiate and lead external collaborations and partnerships to create new capability and to deliver new science into the AstraZeneca portfolio. The role will lead a department of Medicinal, Synthetic, Analytical and Computational chemists delivering deep technical and scientific expertise for the optimisation of novel small molecule leads and candidates for a diverse portfolio of projects within Cardiovascular, Renal, Metabolic, Respiratory and Immune Disease portfolio’s at AstraZeneca. The role holder will have a track record of the successful application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods in molecule discovery, design and optimisation and will lead a high performing department with a passion for scientific delivery and innovation. Key Accountabilities Delivery of a portfolio of small molecule, PROTAC, molecular glue and drug-conjugate projects to candidate selection The scientific and people leadership of a department of >120 scientists across AstraZenca sites in the disciplines of Medicinal, Synthetic, Analytical and Computational chemistry The management of >100 synthetic chemistry roles at CRO partners, together with the development of a future resourcing strategy for the department. The identification and implementation of novel Medicinal, Synthetic and Computational Chemstry technologies, including the use of Artifical Intelligence methods, to advance the capability Represent department on cross organisational teams accountable for the delivery of the AstraZeneca portfolio; this will include membership of therapy area leadership teams and matrix governance committees Drive innovation, scientific excellence and external visibility of the Chemistry capability through internal scientific/technological development, external collaborations, publications and conference presentations Build and maintain a high performing team environment, with full engagement of staff and a commitment to continuous improvement. Manage headcount allocation and expense, capital, and collaboration budgets to maximize impact and delivery to R&D, and ensure high standards for SHE and governance compliance Education/Skills & Experience: Essential: PhD/Post-doc in Chemistry discipline with >20 years’ experience in a drug discovery environment Track record of leading large groups in highly matrixed science and technology based organisations and evidence of ability to shape groups to the needs of the business. Track record of successfully delivering small molecule candidate drugs into the clinic A proven scientific track record of innovation and application of Artificial Intelligence methods in molecule discovery Proven ability to create new research strategies to drive organisational success Significant experience in the leadership of drug discovery projects Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with scientific and leadership teams at local and remote research sites, and to initiate and successfully deliver value from external collaborations Experience in project management, change management and/or implementation of process optimization approaches Proven ability to recruit, retain and develop people to build a world-class organisation Broad industrial and academic network with key stakeholders and innovation leaders internationally Desirable: Experience of the development of informatics tools to enable integrated analysis of chemistry data Experience in drug discovery within Cardiovascular, Renal, Metabolic, Respiratory or Immune diseases Date Posted 17-Dec-2025 Closing Date 18-Jan-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.