About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is a senior-level consultative position focused on oncology drug development. You'll work closely with clients and internal teams to design and implement drug development strategies, acting as a key advisor and technical expert. This is not a managerial role but rather an individual contributor position with significant client interaction.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in oncology drug development, likely with a background in clinical research or consulting. Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders are essential.

Worth noting

The role involves significant client-facing responsibilities and requires expertise in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The position is remote but based in Blue Bell, PA, which may be a consideration for some applicants.

Sr Director Therapeutic Area (Oncology)- Blue Bell, PA- Remote

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development

Senior Director, Drug Development & Consulting – Oncology

At ICON plc, we are driven by a commitment to People, Clients, and Performance. We are seeking a strategic Oncology expert to join our Drug Development & Consulting team in a highly visible, client-facing role.

This position offers the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across the industry, including CEOs, CMOs, and Oncology Therapeutic Area Heads. You will deliver bespoke, asset-centric solutions while shaping oncology drug development strategies across the full lifecycle.

The Role

This is a consultative and advisory role where you will serve as a key scientific partner to both external clients and internal teams. Often acting as the first technical point of contact, you will play a critical role in pre-sales activities, proposal strategy, and long-term partnership development within oncology.

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic oncology drug development program design, delivering tailored, asset-focused solutions across solid tumors and/or hematologic malignancies
Own protocol development, including design, review, and evaluation for oncology clinical trials
Partner directly with senior client stakeholders to provide expert guidance on oncology data interpretation and development strategy
Act as the scientific and strategic lead in proposal development and bid defense activities
Build and maintain relationships with oncology key opinion leaders, advisory boards, and regulatory bodies
Contribute to the development of new oncology-focused service offerings and support growth in this therapeutic area
Provide training, mentorship, and thought leadership in oncology to internal teams and external clients
Participate in portfolio reviews, governance activities, and project oversight as needed
Support operational teams with scientific input, including investigator meetings and oncology-specific project discussions
Represent ICON at oncology congresses and scientific meetings to promote clinical and scientific excellence

What You Bring

Deep expertise in oncology drug development (solid tumors and/or hematologic malignancies)
Strong understanding of oncology clinical trial design, endpoints, and evolving treatment landscapes (e.g., immuno-oncology, targeted therapies)
Proven ability to operate in a strategic, client-facing, and consultative environment
Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex oncology data into actionable insights
A collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally in a global environment
MD or PhD required.

Additional Information

Approximately 30-40% travel (domestic and international)
Opportunity to work in a highly visible, impact-driven role shaping the future of oncology drug development

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What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

Various annual leave entitlements
A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
Global Employee Assistance Programme, TELUS Health, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialised professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
Life assurance
Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidised travel passes, health assessments, among others.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here.

Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply

Aplyr's read

ICON plc is a leading global provider of outsourced services in the pharmaceutical industry, attracting professionals in clinical research and data management.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•ICON plc has a strong global presence, enhancing its ability to manage international clinical trials effectively.
•The company offers diverse career opportunities across various roles in clinical research and data analysis.
•ICON's focus on innovation in pharmaceutical services supports its competitive edge in the industry.

What to watch

•The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, which may limit flexibility in project execution.
•ICON's reliance on large pharmaceutical clients could pose risks if partnerships dissolve.
•The competitive nature of the CRO market may pressure ICON to maintain cost efficiency.

Why ICON plc

•ICON plc specializes in comprehensive outsourcing solutions, differentiating it from competitors with narrower service scopes.
•The company's integration of technology in clinical trials offers a unique advantage in data management.
•ICON's strategic acquisitions have expanded its capabilities and market reach significantly.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About ICON plc

ICON plc

iconplc.com

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ICON plc is a global provider of outsourced development and commercialisation services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.