Disease Area Medical Lead - Rare Disease

About the role

Alexion, AstraZeneca's rare disease business, is looking for a Disease Area Medical Lead to lead its nephrology, haematology and transplant portfolio. Reporting to the Director, Medical Affairs, you will provide strategic and scientific leadership across in-market brands and pre-launch assets, build a high-performing Medical team and turn medical insights into strategies that improve patient care. The position is permanent and full-time, based at the Macquarie Park, Sydney office, with hybrid working (3 office days per week) and regular travel for field coaching and partner engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Create and implement Medical Affairs plans for the portfolio, aligning medical priorities with brand objectives and business strategy
• Lead, coach and develop MSLs and Medical Managers, setting clear accountability and development pathways
• Embed standards and frameworks aligned with Medical Excellence, strengthening scientific acumen and consistent execution
• Champion responsible use of AI, advanced analytics and digital tools to improve medical insights, decision-making and partner engagement
• Oversee evidence generation, compliant scientific exchange, external expert engagement, medical governance and the translation of field insights into strategic recommendations
• Partner with Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, Legal, Pharmacovigilance, Clinical Operations, Corporate Affairs and global teams, and contribute to the Medical Leadership Team

Required profile

• Extensive Medical Affairs experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including designing and delivering medical strategy across brands, assets or therapy areas
• Demonstrated people leadership, with experience leading and developing MSLs and/or Medical Managers
• Tertiary scientific qualification (medicine, pharmacy, PhD, master's or equivalent) with strong scientific credibility for the portfolio
• Business insight and cross-functional leadership, including partnership with Market Access
• Experience applying Medical Excellence standards, field medical operations and governance in a matrix environment
• Willingness to travel regularly

Desirable

• Rare disease or orphan drug experience, ideally nephrology, haematology, transplant or an adjacent portfolio
• Doctoral qualification (M.D., Ph.D. or Pharm.D.)
• Product launch, evidence generation, real-world evidence or strategy development experience
• Formal training or certification in AI or digital health

The application closes on 5 December 2026.