Director, Lab Operations and Diagnostic Deployment

Director, Lab Operations and Diagnostic Deployment - Cambridge, UK

AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, is at the forefront of pioneering new frontiers in medicine, with a particular focus on eliminating cancer as a cause of death. Their Precision Medicine & Biosamples division is dedicated to ensuring patients receive the right medicines at the right time, through the development of companion diagnostics and personalized healthcare strategies.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned leader to join AstraZeneca's dynamic team in Cambridge. The Director, Lab Operations and Diagnostic Deployment will be instrumental in spearheading clinical trial diagnostic testing within an accredited diagnostic laboratory at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. This role is pivotal in deploying novel diagnostic assays and supporting drug development programs with critical testing capabilities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the validation, deployment, and operational delivery of cutting-edge tissue and molecular-based diagnostics. With a current portfolio primarily focused on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and computational pathology, this position is ideally suited for an experienced lab operations leader or a pathologist with a strong background in IHC diagnostic development and operations.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Role in Precision Medicine: Contribute directly to AstraZeneca's mission of advancing personalized healthcare and improving patient outcomes, particularly in oncology.

• Cutting-Edge Diagnostics: Opportunity to work with and deploy new, novel diagnostic assays in an accredited, regulated laboratory environment.

• Collaborative Environment: Engage with cross-functional teams within AstraZeneca and collaborate with external diagnostic partners, fostering a rich learning and networking experience.

• Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor staff, providing valuable experience in line and project matrix management.

• Career Growth: Be part of a science-led organization that is actively investing in technology and digital advancements to shape the future of healthcare.

• Attractive Compensation and Benefits: A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including flexible employee benefits, pension contributions, share save plans, and a performance recognition scheme.

• Vibrant Location: Work in the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub of scientific innovation.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• On-Site Presence: This role is on-site in Cambridge, with an average expectation of five days per week in the office, balancing in-person collaboration with individual flexibility.

• Technical Expertise Required: A strong background in diagnostic/research histopathology, particularly IHC and ideally digital pathology, is essential. Experience validating and integrating tissue-based assays in regulated environments (e.g., IVDR, ISO13485, ISO15189, CAP/CLIA) is crucial.

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead projects and teams, especially in a matrix environment, and to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders with balanced perspectives.

• Regulatory Acumen: Understanding and experience working within regulatory frameworks relevant to diagnostic laboratories is highly valued.

• Pathology Specialization: While not always mandatory, board-certification in Anatomic and/or Clinical Pathology (or equivalent) is a significant advantage.

• Strategic Thinking: The role demands a strategic approach to lab operations, assay deployment, and supporting the broader drug development lifecycle.

This Director position offers a compelling opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced professional to make a significant impact on patient care by advancing diagnostic capabilities within a world-leading pharmaceutical company. If you are passionate about precision medicine and possess the requisite leadership and technical expertise, this role presents an excellent step forward in your career path.