Strategic Scientific Advisor Manager (SSAM)

On-site in Spain - Field - MSL·Full-time·Added 6 days ago

AstraZeneca

36 open roles

What they offer

  • Full-time hours

    Per the ad.

What they ask for

  • Have the right to work in Spain

    AstraZeneca doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.

  • Work on-site in Spain - Field - MSL

    No relocation package mentioned.

You'll most likely need Spanish to apply.This job was automatically translated to English,.

The role

1. Job Title

Strategic Scientific Advisor Manager (SSAM) / Strategic Scientific Advisor Manager (SSAM)

  1. Role Summary

At AstraZeneca, we are looking for a SSAM (Strategic Scientific Advisor Manager) to lead a team of Strategic Scientific Advisors (SSA) in their therapeutic area, ensuring the positioning and early differentiation of our products through a solid scientific strategic plan.

The person in this role will be responsible for developing two-way engagement with KEEs (Key External Experts), co-developing value projects for patients, and consolidating AstraZeneca's scientific leadership in the pathology and the product. They will act as a scientific and management reference, working cross-functionally with multiple areas of the company to transform national strategy into tangible results at regional and territorial levels.

What you'll do

  1. Main responsibilities
  • Translate the national strategy to the SSA team to define objectives by region, Autonomous Community, and account/territory, ensuring alignment with the priorities of the therapeutic area and AZ.
  • Define objectives and implement action plans that integrate strategic approach, environmental knowledge, and professional relationships with key influencers and decision-makers.
  • Actively participate in defining the national strategy for the molecule from a scientific perspective, providing insights gathered from the field.
  • Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Evidence Generation in defining the global and local strategy for pipeline management.
  • Define local priorities and standards for clinical trial (CT) monitoring with the TAL.
  • Drive the identification of ESR opportunities and communicate new GAPS for scientific evidence generation.
  • Monitor the implementation of action plans and their scientific excellence, evaluating the impact of projects and activities.
  • Implement improvement plans in response to deviations.
  • Generate engagement relationships with key stakeholders to favor the execution of the team's plans.
  • Communicate demanding objectives that motivate the team to exceed current performance.
  • Interact with counterparts (BAM, RAL, Clinical Study Leads, Diagnostic Liaison Manager, Evidence Generation Manager, Marketing) to foster coordination and shared objectives.
  • Drive innovative project management methodologies with an Agile philosophy.
  • Foster an environment of trust, co-creation, and unity within the team.
  • Accompany the team through adaptation to change.
  • Ensure the training of the SSA team, enhancing strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Perform high-value coaching in the field and in follow-up meetings.
  • Manage performance tools: evaluations, feedback, coaching, training, and talent.
  • Delegate tasks that promote the growth and exposure of team members.
  • Be the team's reference within the AZ regulatory framework.
  • Ensure that all activities are carried out within the Compliance framework.
  • Project AstraZeneca's corporate image and values in every internal and external interaction.

Date Posted

17-sep-2026

Closing Date

08-oct-2026

Requirements

What we're looking for

  1. Mandatory requirements
  • Degree in Health Sciences, or accreditation of a solid scientific background along with demonstrable experience in team management.

For internal candidates:

  • Previous experience in Oncology (experience in the GI - Gastrointestinal therapeutic area will be particularly valued).
  • Minimum experience of ≥ 5 years in Medical Affairs, which includes one of the following career paths:
    • Minimum experience as a MSL ≥ 5 years, or
    • Minimum experience as a Medical Manager (MM) ≥ 3 years.
    • Previous experience in team management will be particularly valued.
  • For positions without Medical Affairs experience (such as LSD and DSL), the following will be required:
    • Minimum experience of ≥ 4 years in the role.
    • At least 1 year of experience in people management.
  • Exceptionally, for applications coming from Marketing, Access or Sales, the following will be required:
    • A minimum of ≥ 5 years of experience.
    • A solid, verifiable scientific background.
    • At least 2 years of team management.

For external candidates:

  • Previous experience in Oncology (experience in the GI - Gastrointestinal therapeutic area will be particularly valued).
  • Minimum experience of ≥ 2 years in a similar position.
  • Languages: English level C1 (essential for interaction with global teams, including the Field Medical Leadership Team - FMLT).
  • Digital and technological competencies: advanced mastery of the Office suite and solid capacity to adopt digital tools applied to the medical environment, including the use of Artificial Intelligence-based solutions (intelligent scientific information search, data analysis, insight generation, AI applied to Real World Evidence, etc.) to enhance decision-making and team efficiency.
  • Therapeutic area: knowledge in Oncology.

Nice to have

  1. Preferred qualifications
  • Previous knowledge of the product and the corresponding therapeutic area.
  • Specific experience in the GI (Gastrointestinal) therapeutic area.
  • Previous experience in Agile methodologies and cross-functional team leadership.
  • Advanced familiarity with Artificial Intelligence tools, Real World Evidence (RWE) analysis, and digital platforms applied to the medico-scientific field.
  1. Skills and competencies
  • Strategic vision and ability to anticipate.
  • Critical thinking and analysis.
  • 360º knowledge of the healthcare environment.
  • Networking and building partnership relationships.
  • Drive for scientific excellence and evidence generation.
  • Development of trust relationships based on scientific value.
  • Adoption of innovation and differentiation.
  • Optimal talent management.
  • Inclusive and cross-functional leadership.
  • People development and motivation.
  • Drive for an omnichannel relationship model.
  • Active learning and development.
  • Effective communication.
  • Emotional intelligence.
  • Collaborative intelligence.
  • Reference in regulation and compliance.
  1. Education and experience
  • Education: Degree in Health Sciences or equivalent training accrediting a solid scientific background and experience in team management.
  • Experience: Consolidated career in the medico-scientific field within the pharmaceutical industry, preferably in Oncology, with specific differentiated requirements for internal and external candidates (see section 4).
  • Languages: English level C1.
  • Digital competencies: Advanced Office and expert handling of digital tools, including Artificial Intelligence solutions applied to the medical environment.
  1. Job Success Indicators
  • Strategic alignment: Effective translation of the national strategy to the regional level, with consistent and measurable account/territory plans.
  • Excellence in execution: Fulfillment of action plans and achievement of scientific and business impact KPIs.
  • Engagement with KEEs: Consolidation of trust relationships with opinion leaders who request scientific advice as a reference partner.
  • Evidence generation: Identification of GAPs, driving ESRs, and active contribution to the clinical pipeline.
  • Team development: Measurable individual progress of SSAs, talent retention, and positive team climate.
  • Cross-functional work: Effective coordination with BAM, RAL, Clinical Study Leads, Diagnostic Liaison Manager, Evidence Generation Manager, and other key roles.
  • Regulatory compliance: 100% of activities aligned with the internal and external Compliance framework.
  • Innovation: Implementation of new ways of working, emerging technologies, and omnichannel models within the team.

How they hire

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

About the company & team

Why join AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we live our values every day:

We follow the science · We are entrepreneurial · We do the right thing · We play to win

Join a team committed to transforming patients' lives through science, innovation, and scientific leadership.

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.

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