Diagnostic Science Liaison

We are looking to hire a Diagnostic Science Liaison (DSL)

Job Location : Belgium and Luxembourg (70% field, 30% office based)

The DSL will lead diagnostic activities to increase awareness, quality and access to diagnostic tests for the appropriate diagnosis and selection of medicines for patients. Diagnostic personnel compliment the use of AstraZeneca products that have an associated personalized healthcare approach and aim to minimize barriers of prescription.

The DSL is the main contact for external experts involved in diagnostic testing (e.g., lab decision-makers, pathologists, geneticists and molecular biologists) as well as for diagnostic partners. In this function the DSL engages in in-depth medical / scientific diagnostic discussions delivering presentations in a non-promotional scientific context as determined by the local oncology diagnostic strategy (and in line with the Oncology brand strategy).

Job responsibilities :

Develop a strong local network

• Engage with the Diagnostic community in a highly credible, balanced/objective way, representing AZ's dedication to and excellence in science

• Stakeholder selection, liaise and provide support to pathologists, molecular biologists, geneticists and other decision makers in the patient diagnosis

• Identify and segment Key External Experts (KEEs) according to their scientific interest and related affiliations to contribute to the local KEE engagement plan.

• Act as a subject matter expert for external diagnostic / scientific stakeholders (HCPs, diagnostic partners, laboratories)

• Attend scientific congresses

Support novel biomarker introduction and quality initiatives

• Obtain in depth technical knowledge on a selected set of biomarkers as well as a selected therapeutic area

• Presentation and discussion of study results (biomarker and drug)

• Improve access to and quality of diagnostic testing by working with external and internal stakeholders on diagnostic testing validation, development, infrastructure, reimbursement and quality assurance.

• Identify and help resolve barriers to diagnosis, when appropriate by introducing or enabling novel innovative approaches

• Planning and implementation of educational activities

Evidence generation

• Provide diagnostic subject matter expertise in the review of evidence generation activities that include a diagnostic component.

• Support the development of diagnostic testing guidelines and AZ’s clinical development programs, ESRs, RWEs and/or publications that include a diagnostic component.

Build capability of other internal and external stakeholders

• Understand clinical operational issues along the testing pathway in oncology and help stakeholders to develop potential solutions to their needs, e.g. approaches to diagnostic testing, etc.

• Effectively gather, relevant new knowledge and meaningful insights about the external diagnostic environment to internal colleagues

Be compliant

• Successfully complete all training requirements, including product examinations and certifications

• Comply with all external regulations and internal policies

• Ensure understanding of the AZ Code of Conduct, External Interactions Policy and Standards, and Publications Policy along with relevant local industry codes of conduct

Education, Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s in Science related field, Phd is preferred

• 3-year hands-on experience with one of these relevant lab techniques: IHC, PCR or NGS or alternatively with a support role in a diagnostics company

• Experienced in presenting scientific content in a structured style

• Informal experience with project management

• Experience with oncology biomarkers in the area of pathology or molecular biology

• Existing network in diagnostic labs (pathology or human genetics)

• Previous experience in a complex cross functional working environment

• Successful track record with project management

• Confident with MS office and CRM reporting tools

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.