(Associate) Director- Ecosystem Partnership, BD, Venture Fund

Brief Job Description

This role resides in the International BD and Venture Fund team and will work closely with China and UK Early Research, Business Development, Corporate Affairs and key cross functional teams across China and UK. He/she will co-lead the China part Research collaboration and ecosystem cultivation related workstream, development and execution of strategic ecosystem partnerships between China and global, with China-UK collaboration as a core strategic corridor. The role will translate ecosystem opportunities into executable partnership programs that advance scientific innovation, business development, external innovation and venture-related priorities.

The incumbent will serve as a strategic connector, program leader and trusted external representative of the organization. He/she will identify, structure, launch and scale collaborations with governments, universities, research hospitals, academic institutions, and other cross-sector ecosystem stakeholders. In addition to building ecosystem, the role will be accountable for establishing governance mechanisms, driving cross-broader project execution and ensuring that partnerships deliver measurable scientific, business and ecosystem impact.

Typical Accountabilities

Ecosystem Partnership Strategy and Development

• Define and execute a focused ecosystem partnership strategy aligned with International BD, Venture Fund and innovation priorities, including China-global collaboration roadmaps and China-UK partnership initiatives.
• Systematically map priority life-science innovation ecosystems, including universities, research hospitals, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Support to build and maintain a qualified pipeline of research partnership opportunities

Strategic Project Management

• Support in cross-border and cross function research ecosystem projects JSC governance buildup and alliance with clear objectives, milestones, deliverables, owners, governance, integrated workplans, decision points and performance metrics.
• Support and manage project budget planning, landing, and ensure compliance with financial audit and governance requirements.

Cross-functional Leadership and Capability Building

• Mobilize and influence matrix teams across global early research, China R&D, BD, Venture Fund, corporate affairs, legal, finance to support strategic partnership objectives.
• Foster collaboration across China, UK and global teams, ensuring internal resources, decision-making and stakeholder communication are aligned with partnership priorities.

Typical People Management Responsibility (direct/indirect reports)

• Number of people managed in total (all levels): 0 direct reports expected initially; indirect leadership of cross-functional project teams and external partner working groups is required

What is the global remit? (how many countries will the role operate in?)

• Operates across China, UK and selected global innovation hubs, with frequent cross-border engagement and coordination with international senior stakeholders

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Education: Advanced degree such as PhD, MD in life sciences, medicine, drug development and discovery, biology or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in life sciences, biopharmaceuticals, healthcare innovation, business development, ecosystem development, early research or R&D related function. Experience in a multinational organization is a must.
• Partnership track record: Proven success developing and managing complex academia alliance or early research collaboration projects, preferably involving cross-border collaboration, government-academic-industry partnerships, innovation ecosystems, R&D collaborations.
• Project management capability: Strong ability to manage complex cross-functional programs, define milestones, establish governance, track KPIs, manage risks and deliver outcomes in a matrix environment.
• Functional expertise: Strong understanding of pharmaceutical R&D, pre-clinical innovation and ecosystem, academia-industry alliance.
• Leadership and influence: Demonstrated ability to engage executive-level stakeholders, build trust, influence without authority and align diverse organizations around shared goals. Strong business judgment, scientific curiosity, conflict resolution capability and cross-cultural sensitivity are required.
• Other qualifications: Fluent in English and Mandarin, with executive-level written and verbal communication skills in both languages.

Key Relationship to Reach Solutions

• Internal: International BD and Venture Fund leadership, AZ China, AZ UK, global R&D, BD, corporate affairs, legal, compliance, finance and cross-functional project teams.
• External: Government, universities, research hospitals, academic institutions, ecosystem platforms and other cross-sector partners across China, and UK innovation hubs

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.