SM/AD–Early Biopharma BD, Venture Fund (Infectious Disease)

Brief Job Description

This role resides in International BD and VF team and will work closely with global infectious diseases S&E team. He/she will lead China landscape mapping, search and evaluation of external innovation ID opportunities in China—including novel vaccines, antivirals, and resistance-breaking modalities. This role will translate local scientific insights into globally competitive deal recommendations, bridging between Chinese biotech ecosystem and global pipeline strategy.

Typical Accountabilities

Early Infectious Disease Business Development

• Systematically map the infectious diseases innovation landscape in Greater China: emerging biotech, academic spin-offs, platform technologies (mRNA, ADC for infection), and early-stage assets, manage a live opportunity pipeline tailored for global portfolio fit.
• Scientific evaluation: conduct preliminary scientific diligence and drive joint assessments with the global ID S&E team.
• Coordinate technical, legal, financial due diligence with global team and external partners.
• Business Case Development: Partner with China/International NPP to craft investment-grade business cases that secure internal endorsement and achieve external alignment with potential partners.

Venture Fund

• Venture Sourcing: Build and maintain a differentiated pipeline through proactive market mapping, ecosystem engagement, and relationships with founders, VCs, and incubators.
• Venture Evaluation: Lead scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial diligence; structure investment recommendations with clear theses, risk/return profiles, and value-creation plans.
• Contribute to preparation of IC materials, briefing documents, and senior leadership presentations
• Portfolio Management: Actively manage investments post-close—board/observer participation, milestone tracking, strategic guidance, and syndicate coordination—to drive value creation and strategic optionality for AZ.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Education: Advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) in biology, chemistry, medicine, pharmacology or related field. MBA preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience: 3+ years in pharma/biotech BD, R&D strategy, or external innovation, directly evaluating infectious disease assets or cross-border licensing experience is strongly preferred. AD for particularly strong or experienced candidate.
• Functional expertise: Deep understanding of China ID landscape: prevalent pathogens (e.g., HBV, drug-resistant TB, N. gonorrhoeae, respiratory viruses). Financial modeling proficiency (Excel-based rNPV, risk-adjusted cash flow). Experience with term sheet drafting a plus.
• Other qualifications: Fluent in English and Mandarin (technical and business fluency).

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.