Executive Director, Head of PMB Labs, Biocenter & Human Biosamples NAM

Are you passionate about Precision Medicine and Human Biological Samples? Would you like to have an impact on patients’ lives and contribute to eliminate cancer as a cause of death? If so then join us!

We’re investing like never before in our people, in growth, and in new diagnostic techniques and technologies. There are opportunities at every turn, with a variety and breadth that is unusual to find and an industry-leading pipeline in oncology. Scientists at AstraZeneca are working every day to turn science fiction into science fact. Our ambition - to develop innovative, targeted medicines for every patient that needs them - and to match those treatments to patients most likely to benefit from them – is now a reality.

You will join our Human Biological Samples transformation, focused on leading the industry in how we track, digitize, manage store and speed up access to samples so we can gain  optimal scientific value from each sample donated by patients in our trials.

This role is responsible for the leadership of the Precision Medicine and Biosamples (PMB) Labs, Bio-center and Human Biosamples (HBS) department within the North America Region (NAM). Responsible for developing the strategy for PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS within the N. America region; specifically, accountability for specialist leadership of AstraZeneca’s HBS transformation in these areas. Provides significant input to the R&D strategy for HBS and Precision Medicine, especially for teams delivering AstraZeneca’s Oncology portfolio. Provides strategic and tactical leadership for PMB to deliver its scorecard and proposes future-oriented strategic options.

• As the senior scientific and technical guide for PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS NAM department, leads by experience in the building of innovative capabilities that transform R&D and make HBS available for research aligned to patient wishes

• Experienced in laboratory capabilities included in the role, including solid and liquid tumor sample processing and aliquoting; emerging ctDNA and tissue-based diagnostics, as well as automated storage and retrieval of HBS.

• Ensures the implementation and execution of PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS NAM department, specifically leading and line managing individual experts, including:

• Accountable as the senior scientific expert in Joint Steering Committees etc. with clinical and outsourcing partners involved in delivering these capabilities.

• Drives the delivery of cross-functional teams involved in delivery of these strategic capabilities, reporting progress, barriers and issue resolution to the Head of PMB, R&D Leadership teams and other senior governance bodies within AstraZeneca.

• Accountable to ensure that PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS NAM follow compliant and efficient processes.

• Represents PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS NAM department to AstraZeneca global leadership, including senior governance bodies, ensuring that the Precision Medicine and HBS lab capabilities developed within PMB and partner functions directly benefit the R&D drug portfolio and provide line of sight to patient benefit at launch.

• Builds the PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS NAM department, ensuring that resources within PMB, its clinical, outsourced and partner functions are used appropriately to satisfy current and anticipated needs of the organization, that the department drives performance and delivers business value, and that a long-term strategic plan is developed and continuously refreshed.

• Ensures appropriate processes are in place, regionally and locally, to respond to legislative and regulatory changes.

• Develops and maintains effective and encouraging relationships, within PMB and with partner functions to understand business plans and their implications for the department, and to lead and mitigate any associated risks.

• Instills a strong customer service and inspiring culture within the PMB Labs, Bio-center and HBS NAM department, with a focus on continuous improvement, with inspirational leadership, internal and external communications.

• Carries out appropriate and effective succession planning.

• Ensures own work, and work of the whole department, is aligned with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) regulations and all other internal and external standards and regulations.

Minimum Qualification:

• PhD, MD or equivalent in a scientific subject area

• Minimum of 10 years of confirmed experience

• Significant experience in the leadership of transformational laboratory capabilities relevant to the role

• Ability to travel to all AstraZeneca N. American locations managed by the role

• Extensive experience in compliant management of Human Biological Samples

• Extensive experience within the pharmaceutical industry and significant understanding of the overall drug development and stakeholder management process

• Ability to influence strategically and persuade thoughtfully, to acquire desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive organizational relationships

Desired Qualifications:

• Board certified anatomical pathologist

• Certified as a CAP/ CLIA laboratory director

• Previous experience in a similar role

• Confirmed experience in leading and embedding transformation initiatives

• Extensive knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory developments in the field

• Extensive experience in global line management and leadership

If this sounds like the type of organization where you would like to grow your career and make a real difference to patients then we would like to hear from you; apply today!

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next!

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Where can I find out more?

• Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

• Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

• Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

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.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.