Director, Molecular Diagnostics

The role requires:

• A high degree of functional knowledge to generate and implement team strategy for diagnostic tests.

• Use of highly developed communication skills to represent the team both internally and externally.

• Works collaboratively with senior leaders in the Precision Medicine and Biosamples function to deliver Diagnostic capability to drug project teams.

• Accountable for ensuring that the role and responsibilities are delivered demonstrating behaviours and values aligned to AstraZeneca Code of Conduct and supporting policies, standards and procedures; including accountability for compliant management of Budget and Safety, Health and Environment.

Typical Accountabilities, what you will be doing:

• Support the Head of Molecular Diagnostics in the strategic leadership of the team and communicates a clear and inspirational vision based on a long-term view of the capability.

• Creates and implements strategy for the delivery of validated diagnostic biomarkers and tests for use in clinical trials, regulatory submissions and commercialisation based on a long-term view of internal project demand and the evolving external regulatory and healthcare environment.

• Applies external intelligence and performs strategic evaluation on emerging diagnostic trends in the light of project demand, competitor knowledge and scientific understanding.

• Ensures delivery of own team objectives in line with wider business objectives.

• Attracts, recruits, and retains top talent and technical expertise.

• Leads performance management and personal development of own team members through coaching, mentoring, and motivating.

• Plans team budget and resources according to business targets.

• Works collaboratively with the Precision Medicine function and other AstraZeneca stakeholders to provide diagnostics solutions, working across boundaries and courageously addressing issues which may inhibit effective collaboration.

• Ensures excellence and sets standards for diagnostic projects within own team.

• Monitors and ensures compliance with all AstraZeneca Policies and Standards and immediately addresses instances of non-compliance. Delivers ethical and compliant management of Budget, Safety, Health and Environment within the group and on behalf of the function as required.

• Leads outsourcing opportunities and internal and external collaborations.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Broad science and technology knowledge and background. Recognised specialist in field.

• Proven leadership ability, global team working and line management experience.

• Must demonstrate excellence in the recruitment, retention, development and motivation of groups of highly qualified scientists.

• Experience in a similar role within pharmaceutical or diagnostics industry.

• Able to act as a representative for the function within AstraZeneca, interacting effectively with key stakeholders and senior leaders, understanding key AZ objectives across multiple specialist areas.

• Able to represent AstraZeneca externally in interactions with regulatory authorities and at top level scientific meetings.

• Successful track record in the execution of diagnostic testing with diagnostic companies through partner contracts.

• Experience of delivering and working to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other regulatory standards across the major markets.

• Good Business acumen – including understanding of HR, finance, legal, purchasing, and IP.

• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including enhanced presentation skills.

• Strategic influencing skills (experienced in stakeholder management at senior leadership level) whilst maintaining independent and objective views.

• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills – confident and assertive but willing to listen and to seek and learn from the views of others.

• Highly-developed cultural sensitivity as work involves being part of global teams.

• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Desirable:

• Track record of providing diagnostics support to project teams and generating data required for regulatory submissions

• Major experience in drug development and different therapeutic areas

• Experience in leading scientific organizations and driving cutting edge science

• Proven track record of working with third parties, both commercial and academic

• Understanding of related areas e.g. payer insight, diagnostic partnering, regulation of drugs and linked diagnostics, policy considerations, ethical and legal aspects

Location:Cambridge, UK; Warsaw, Poland; Barcelona, Spain 

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 innovative methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

So, what’s next?

A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration – we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take calculated risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline. If you are inspired by the possibilities, don’t hesitate in submitting an application today!

Competitive salary and benefits package available.

Where can I find out more?

Connect with our recruiter on LinkedIn: Zara Newman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-newman/

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