Head of Diagnostics Ireland

An exciting opportunity has arisen within AstraZeneca, working as the Head of Diagnostics Ireland, to lead diagnostic development within AZ’s Precision Medicine and Biosamples (PMB) function in the Republic of Ireland. This critical leadership role will be one of the first PMB hires in Ireland, and contribute to shaping growth of the function locally and driving diagnostic development across different diagnostic technology types, including point-of-care tests, digital diagnostics, computational pathology etc. We are seeking an inspiring and credible scientific leader with:

• a broad, deep and comprehensive understanding of biomarker and diagnostic development to support the AstraZeneca Group’s drug portfolio.
• the ability to lead continuous improvement and innovation in diagnostic leadership internally and externally.
• personal experience and proven credibility in the development, regulatory requirements and delivery of companion and disease diagnostic tests.
• previous significant direct and indirect management responsibility for a range of R&D initiatives.
• an ability to have a significant impact on financial, strategic and reputational aspects of the business
• Leads the success of PMB in the Republic of Ireland in a range of diagnostic strategies to support AstraZeneca drug portfolios of the Oncology, Biopharma and Rare Disease R&D business units as required.
• Recruits and manages direct and indirect reports, including leveraging established PMB-talent programs and government-funded training roles to support growth of the function locally; provides inspirational leadership, and carries out effective performance management and succession planning.
• Leads, guides, evaluates and develops teams of diagnostic professionals within own area of specialism, and supports cross-functional, international work as a senior scientific expert.
• Inputs significantly to the Oncology, Biopharma and Rare Disease R&D drug development strategies in the Republic of Ireland, and ensures that all decisions and activities within own area of responsibility are properly aligned to the broader goals and objectives of the AstraZeneca Group.
• Together with the Director, Transformation Lead - PMB Ireland, builds, develops and integrates with external diagnostic and scientific networks in the Republic of Ireland, provides guidance on the overall strategy for PMB in Ireland and assists with the evaluation of potential external collaborations to strength AZ’s opportunities for drug and diagnostic development.
• Ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of existing processes, systems and interfaces between own team in the Republic of Ireland and other global PMB sites.
• Leads scientific and technical input to a diverse range of initiatives to improve quality, integrity and effectiveness of work executed within AstraZeneca Group R&D, while reducing cost and delivery time.
• Leads the development of new methodologies to provide business benefit, and leads their implementation within own area of responsibility.
• Ensures and measures that own work and work of direct and indirect reports is compliant with Good Clinical Practice, Safety, Health and Environment regulations and all other internal and external standards and regulations

Essential

• PhD, MD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline
• Proven experience in leading end-to-end delivery in area of expertise
• Proven experience in the development of companion diagnostics from initial concept to commercialization
• Expert reputation within the scientific area of specialism as evaluated by peer reviewed publications and invited presentations
• Proven leadership experience promoting, motivating and empowering others
• Significant understanding of the drug R&D process, therapy area strategy and key factors leading to successful launch and commercialization of drugs and linked diagnostics
• Knowledge and evidence of leadership of compliance in diagnostic science and human Biosamples globally

Desirable

• Board certified pathologist
• Established scientific networks in precision medicine in Ireland and globally
• Proven expertise in ethical and regulatory law and guidelines within the Republic of Ireland, particularly as they relate to diagnostic development, and the use of clinical samples for research purposes
• Extensive experience within a similar role
• Proven experience in the latest scientific, technical and regulatory developments, with significant knowledge of US, EU and global diagnostic regulations
• Excellent knowledge of AstraZeneca products, policies, procedures and guidelines

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.