Translational Science Associate Director

Are you ready to turn patient biology into decisive clinical strategy for immune-mediated diseases? In this role, you will shape how human insights drive program design, accelerate decision-making, and sharpen product differentiation across cellular, biologic, and small molecule modalities. Your work will directly influence how quickly and confidently we bring transformative therapies to patients.

You will lead from the interface of research and development, uniting discovery science, clinical teams, and external partners around clear translational objectives. How would you leverage biomarkers and human evidence to make faster, smarter decisions that change the trajectory of our programs and the lives they aim to improve?

Accountabilities:

• Translational Strategy Leadership: Define and execute integrated translational and biomarker strategies for immune-mediated disease programs, ensuring robust human evidence guides phase progression and differentiation.

• Biomarker Strategy and Delivery: Design and deliver clinical biomarker plans spanning human target validation, target engagement, pharmacodynamic readouts, and molecular differentiation, with clear, pre-specified decision points.

• Target-to-Disease Connection: Build strong target-to-disease hypotheses using human genetics, tissue biology, and mechanistic models; translate insights into program objectives and go/no-go criteria.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Align discovery and clinical teams to shape protocols, endpoints, sampling strategies, and assay readiness so every patient data point advances mechanistic understanding.

• External Partnerships and CRO Management: Lead CROs and collaborators to deliver translational studies to time, quality, and budget; ensure fit-for-purpose assay validation, data standards, and operational excellence.

• Clinical Data Translation: Interrogate clinical and translational datasets to refine dose/response, identify responders, and inform next-study design and lifecycle plans; communicate implications clearly to governance bodies.

• Lifecycle and New Program Strategy: Serve as global product team translational lead to enable lifecycle management and new program strategies that build competitive differentiation and patient impact.

• Scientific Leadership and Innovation: Act as a recognized authority in translational science, solving complex problems with innovative approaches; mentor peers, raise scientific standards, and represent programs externally.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Master’s degree required.

• 5 years of relevant professional experience required, including experience in clinical development or translational science.

• Strong knowledge of the pathogenesis of immune mediated disease and the application of cellular, molecular technologies and models to drive program decisions,

• Prior experience in clinical biomarker strategy development and execution including human target validation, target engagement, and molecular differentiation.

• Significant experience managing CROs for translational studies and biomarkers for clinical trials.

• Detailed understanding of translational and clinical research methodology and biostatistics principles.

• Attention to detail, strive to generate high-quality work, and sense of passion and urgency to achieve team and program goals.

• Demonstrated experience contributing to and leading complex projects.

• Demonstrated track record in delivering results.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent analytical, problem solving and strategic planning skills.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience in clinical biomarker development of T-cell therapy and/or other advanced therapeutic modalities in house or with CROs

• Experience in the authoring of relevant sections of regulatory documents.

• Understanding of the full drug development process, with experience across phases of therapeutic development and studies

• Understanding of FDA, EMA, MHRA and ICH GCP guidelines as they pertain to translational strategy.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 142,377.60 - 213,566.40 USD Annual (80% - 120%). Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. ​

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will be empowered to follow the science with the tools, data, and collaborative partnerships to tackle complex disease biology end to end. We bring unexpected teams into the same room to test bold ideas, fusing human biology, digital, and AI to better predict clinical success and raise the bar for patient impact. You will work alongside curious, courageous colleagues who celebrate learning from both breakthroughs and setbacks, supported by leaders who value clarity, kindness, and ambition. Your insights will directly shape next-generation therapeutics and help move promising medicines to patients with greater speed and confidence.

Call to Action:

If you are ready to lead translational strategy that turns human insight into life-changing therapies, take the next step and shape what science can do with us.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.