Associate Director, Operations
About the role
AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division is dedicated to pioneering the treatment, prevention, and modification of complex diseases. As Associate Director, Translational Operations, you will play a pivotal role in managing vendor relationships and clinical biospecimen operations, overseeing logistics and analysis of Human Biological Samples (HBS) within our clinical trial programs, with special focus on cell therapy clinical trials.
Responsibilities
- Lead translational operations for cell therapy clinical trials, supporting clinical operations and managing external vendors to ensure high-quality and budget-compliant biospecimen logistics and analysis.
- Oversee HBS logistics from trial sites to analytical labs, ensuring sample integrity, traceability, and compliance with contracted timelines.
- Serve as the primary contact for operational vendor management, collaborating with scientific teams on vendor selection, onboarding, and integration.
- Negotiate and execute contracts (e.g., Master Services Agreements, Scope of Work/Work Orders, Data Transfer Agreements) working cross-functionally with Clinical, Data Management, Legal, Procurement, and Finance teams.
- Collaborate with program teams to maintain development plans, assess risks, and implement corrective actions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with sample collection, processing, storage, and shipment in collaboration with Clinical Operations, CROs, and vendors.
- Lead meetings, track action items, and ensure prompt execution of follow-up actions; ensure compliance with AZ guidelines and contribute to clinical/regulatory documentation.
Requirements
- BS with at least 8 years, MS with 5 years, or PhD with 3 years of relevant experience in biospecimen management, clinical research, or translational operations.
- Experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and human biosample logistics within clinical trials.
- Familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and experience with biomarker assays, pharmacokinetic analysis, and related laboratory techniques.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effectively collaborate with diverse teams and present findings to both technical and non-technical partners.
Schedule
In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. We work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office, balancing the expectation of being in the office with respect for individual flexibility.
Pay
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $142,377.00 to $213,566.00. Base pay offered may vary depending on market location, job-related experience, and other individualized factors.
Benefits
- Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
- Equity-based long-term incentive program
- 401(k) plan
- Paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves
- Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage