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Global Safety Program Lead

On-site in Barcelona·Full-time·Added 7 days ago (last checked 12 Oct)

AstraZeneca

32 open roles

Overview

Work mode
On-site, Barcelona
Contract
Full-time
English
Required
Experience
5+ years
Education
University degree

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • Medical degree or equivalent degree in biomedicine or science

  • 5 years extensive relevant clinical, safety and risk management experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, CRO industry, academia or Health Authorities

  • Proven track record of successful clinical safety delivery with demonstrated examples of strategic influence to clinical studies/programs.

  • Ability to collaborate across a matrixed environment and influence cross-functional- leaders on decision-making (e.g. Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs).

  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of pharmacovigilance & safety deliverables, standards and processes at a global level; including pre and post launch experience.

  • Experience of global regulatory submissions and interacting with major regulatory agencies.

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully lead, coach, and mentor other safety medical directors/scientists.

  • Available to travel domestically and internationally

  • Demonstrated ability to present complex topics to senior leaders at safety and development governances for alignment and endorsement.

Nice to have

  • PhD (or other complementary degree) in scientific discipline.

  • Excellent, independent judgment based on leading-edge knowledge and expertise.

  • Excellent speaking skills, industry conference speaking experience.

  • Excellent, independent judgment based on knowledge and expertise.

  • Demonstrated clinical safety and research expertise in an appropriate disease area.

The role

What you'll do

The Global Safety Program Lead, Senior Director is accountable to the Global Safety Head for the safety strategy, delivery, and oversight of the assigned asset(s); the professional will work with safety physicians and scientists responsible for the development, implementation, and application of safety strategy at asset and study level. Acts strategically to generate opportunity and value for the asset or indication to optimize benefit risk and maintain a competitive advantage. Line manages a team of safety physicians and / or scientists. They will be required at times to deputise for the Global Safety Head.

The Global Safety Program Lead, Senior Director will operate according to the highest ethical, quality and compliance standards in compliance as provided by global and local regulations, GxP practice and AZ procedures.

  • Accountable for the overall scientific and clinical safety content for the assigned asset(s) or indications.

  • Accountable for the implementation and the high quality delivery of the Safety & Strategy Management Team (SSaMT) and Safety Surveillance Team for assigned asset(s).

  • Responsible for overall safety content for the product or indication(s) aligned to GPT strategy. Sets safety team goals aligned to TA and product strategy.

  • For the assigned asset(s), accountable for safety TPP, Safety Go/No Go criteria, safety communication/messaging and the guidelines for toxicity management of the asset

  • Is accountable for project representation for Global Patient Safety at governance and other forums where safety is involved, eg DRC, eCRC, SARB, FSIRB, and DSMB/DMC, Medical Affairs Review Committees (MARC), product teams such CPT and GPT and Advisory Board meetings in partnership with GSH.

  • Accountable for the quality of key safety deliverables e.g., Risk Management Plans (RMPs) and Periodic Safety Reports (PSRs), compliance and adherence to PV regulations of the assigned asset(s).

  • Leads response to complex technical issues for specific safety aspects for the assigned asset(s).

  • Is accountable for safety contribution to study designs and study concept delivery within their assigned program

  • Through integrated understanding of the product strategy, provides strategic safety knowledge and support to the safety medical directors and scientists through initiation, execution, and completion of the clinical programs for the assigned asset(s).

  • Leads the safety physicians and scientists to support the safety strategy and input into the program design, monitoring, and data interpretation from pre-clinical and clinical studies, communication and post-marketing surveillance, epidemiology, pre-clinical and literature, epidemiology for each asset.

  • Ensures that own work and work of team is compliant with Safety Health and Environment (SHE) standards and all other relevant internal and external regulations and standards.

  • Represents the Company and accountable for the quality of safety delivery e.g., regulatory submissions, answers to Health Authority Queries, Ethic Committees, Marketing Companies, investigators/sites, and provides clarifications as well as solves safety issues in the study team.

  • May be required to support in-licensing opportunities.

  • Promotes and enables cross-functional, proactive and solutions-orientated team actions and behaviours

  • Accountable for implementation of new processes, systems and learning, including new ways of working.

  • Prioritizes risk mitigation strategies and effective trouble shooting.

  • Line manages a team of safety physicians and / or scientists.

  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the relevant safety scientific literature, and is able to clearly communicate key impactful information,

  • Accountable for proper data collection and interpretation for determination of the risks and inform the label in markets globally

  • Delivers analyses of clinical safety data in a balanced and statistically robust manner, to drive interpretations and develop novel proposals.

  • Serves as a source of scientific and clinical safety knowledge for the Product Team, in the analyses and interpretation of scientific and clinical safety data.

Date Posted

09-Oct-2026

Closing Date

30-Dec-2026

Hiring process

2 steps1 interviewa task to do
  1. Application

  2. Recruiter contact · With a recruiter

  3. Assessment

    Not every role

    Some roles, especially graduate roles, add a game-based assessment, a video or telephone interview, or an assessment day.

  4. Interview

    A two-way conversation about your skills and suitability for the role, and a chance for you to find out if AstraZeneca is right for you.

  5. Pre-employment screening

  6. Offer

  • Candidates who reach interview stage or beyond usually get feedback within 14 days of the role's closing date.
  • Interview travel expenses are reimbursed for journeys over 100km.
  • Alcohol and drug testing is carried out for new hires where required by local country legislation.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes prescription medicines in therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, and respiratory and immunology. With a workforce of over 80,000 employees worldwide, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and operates across more than 100 countries, focusing on innovative medicines and advanced technologies like AI and data science to transform patient care.

In Spain, AstraZeneca has a significant presence with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, contributing to clinical development, regulatory affairs, and commercial operations. The company is known for its collaborative and inclusive culture, offering international professionals opportunities to work on global projects, particularly in areas like cell therapy, AI-driven health solutions (Evinova), and patient safety. With a strong commitment to diversity and innovation, AstraZeneca Spain is an attractive destination for talent seeking to make a global impact while living in Spain.

Industry
Pharma
Founded
1999
Employees
10,000+
Headquarters
Cambridge, UK
In Spain
Madrid, Barcelona

Good to know if you are moving

  • AstraZeneca offers a global, multicultural work environment with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the world.
  • The company has a strong commitment to employee development and offers various career growth programs.
  • Spain offices are located in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, offering a high quality of life and vibrant culture.
  • AstraZeneca is a leader in innovative therapies, providing employees with the chance to work on cutting-edge medical advancements.
  • The company supports flexible working arrangements and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

In their own words

Additional information

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.

All open roles at AstraZeneca

Location

AstraZeneca · Barcelona

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