Learning & Development Specialist, Biopharma R&D

Learning & Development Specialist, Biopharma R&D

Location: Warsaw, Poland

Hybrid Model: minimum 3 days from office in Warsaw per week

Are you an experienced L&D professional with a background in the Pharmaceutical industry?

In our dynamic environment, be supported by the brightest minds working together side by side. Agile and collaborative, we work cross-functionally, as well as externally, to thrive at pace.

Be encouraged and supported to think creatively in our dynamic environment. Here we are free from fear of failure, free to ask the right questions and make bold decisions.

This role could give you the opportunity to apply your expertise and creativity to support the delivery of an exciting new cross-R&D flagship learning experience called ‘Navigate R&D’.  Employing modern, digitally enabled learning approaches, Navigate R&D supports those relatively new to the organisation to quickly build the foundational knowledge to be successful, and continually sharpen their skills as they traverse both the depth and breadth of our complex, global business.  

As a capable instructional designer, you will bring your creative flair to design and build engaging learning content for the programme in our digital platform Degreed, using a range of traditional and modern learning modalities; from bite-sized digital content to shaping experiential peer-led learning quests.  You will quickly build your network and connect with technical R&D subject matter experts from across our multi-disciplinary scientific community, partnering with them to bring to life the end-to-end research and development process, including how we collaborate, innovate and problem solve to bring new medicines to patients.

This role will report into the Head of Learning & Development within Biopharmaceuticals R&D.  You will be a key member of a small, global L&D team, working independently and collaborating across the enterprise to support the delivery of a broad range of high-quality learning activities. The L&D team resides within the Data Science and AI function of Biopharma R&D, so you will be excited by what the future holds and the potential of digital and AI to transform the way people learn at work.  

Key responsibilities will include:

• Work closely with project leads to gather technical content from R&D subject matter experts. Using a solid understanding of R&D you will assimilate and synthesise complex information to deliver learning resources relevant and engaging for the target audience.

• Review, refresh and create technical / scientific learning resources (including e.g. slides, eLearning, video production etc) to support the build of knowledge pathways within Degreed (AZ learning technology platform).

• Coordination of learning programme events, including advertisement, registrations, coordination of presenters and facilitators at global locations, collation and reporting of cohort feedback etc.

• Preparation and oversight of communications for stakeholders, intranet and workplace.

• Project management and operational delivery of key elements of R&D learning programmes.

• Liaison with external L&D vendors for assessment of new project partnerships, oversight of project delivery, ongoing relationship management and identification of new opportunities relevant to R&D.

• Collation, interpretation and reporting of learning analytics for key R&D learning programmes / interventions.

• Delivery and facilitation of in person and virtual R&D learning seminars and events.

• Keeps abreast of external trends in L&D technologies and approaches and makes recommendations for benefit of R&D learning programmes.

• Active member of the R&D learning practitioner community, contribute to sharing of best practices and developing L&D capability for self and peers.

Role Requirements:

• Qualified to degree level preferably in a scientific / technical discipline and/or higher-level qualifications or accreditations in learning and development related discipline (preferred)

• Experience of a Pharma environment and knowledge of the R&D drug development life cycle.

• Excellent working knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design and learning delivery. Experience applying these in a technical business setting.

• Practical experience building high quality learning resources with content creation tools (e.g. Articulate, IsEazy) and in learner experience platforms (e.g. Degreed)

• Knowledge or experience in leveraging digital and AI tools to support learning delivery is desirable.

• Creative flair, able to simplify complex scientific and technical concepts to support engagement and knowledge retention with R&D learners, in line with the AZ narrative and branding.

• Solid operational and project management skills, able to coordinate and drive delivery of tactical work with discipline and efficiency.

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English

• Communicates effectively at all levels, from R&D learner to business stakeholders.

• Experience delivering training, workshops or global events, including leveraging technology to drive both in-person or virtual learning events.

• Proactive, self-starter able to work independently in an agile, fast paced and often ambiguous working environment.

• Excellent team player who fosters a collaborative work environment where everyone can contribute their best work and sets the bar for a high-quality modern learning experience.

• Models an agile learning mindset by being committed to own professional development, having an innate curiosity and desire to learn and grow.

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.