In Vivo Section Manager – Ignite Innovation at AstraZeneca, Cambridge

Are you ready to take the lead at the intersection of scientific excellence and ground-breaking discovery? AstraZeneca’s Animal Sciences & Technologies (AST) Department in Cambridge is seeking a dynamic and visionary In Vivo Section Manager—are you ready to make a tangible impact on the future of medicine!

Join an inspiring community where teams of dedicated scientists are transforming ideas into real-world therapies. Our work is at the heart of evaluating the efficacy and safety of life-changing candidate drugs, providing invaluable insights to our BioPharmaceuticals and Oncology R&D Units.

Introduction to the role

As the In Vivo Section Manager, you will be recognised as a subject matter expert within in vivo science delivery—a true point of reference for your peers. You will have the opportunity to lead a team, guiding the operational and experimental delivery within a crucial area of our animal facility.

Your leadership will be instrumental in:coordinating seamless facility operations and providing contingency support where required.

Driving operational efficiencies and intelligently aligning resources to evolving demand.

Championing collaboration across cross-functional teams to anticipate needs and resolve challenges.

Championing SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) standards and ensuring meticulous regulatory compliance in every aspect of our in vivo activities

Offering real-time support to scientific teams, raising technical and welfare standards, and empowering colleagues to perform at their best

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. We are on a journey to bring life-saving medicines to patients. Our role in contributing to decreasing mortality rates globally is clear – shaping the future by spotting a scientifically-led commercial opportunity and acting now to operationalise and scale it.

Why Join AstraZeneca?

Step into an environment where curiosity is celebrated, and you are empowered to follow the science. At AstraZeneca, you’ll have the platform to influence change, nurture your expertise, and see your efforts directly impact patient outcomes around the world.

Bring your vision, energy, and technical expertise—to not only guide operational excellence but shape the future of in vivo science. Imagine the legacy you can build with us.

Typical Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the effective operation of a section of the animal facility. Liaises effectively with other functions to enable this- including equipment, consumable management, and hygiene.
• Ensures own work, and the work of others, is performed in accordance with appropriate regulatory, quality and compliance standards relevant to in vivo work.
• Ensures own work, and the work of others, is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE). Acts as Lab Safety Coordinator.
• Leads or contributes to align resource requirements with forecasted demand.
• Leads a team to use technical skills and animal welfare knowledge to deliver in vivo studies
• Leads the development of in vivo scientists to align with business needs and personal aspirations.
• Provides in-the-moment support to teams within the unit to resolve immediate issues and enhance performance.
• Responsible for the scheduling and delivery of in section in vivo work within agreed deadlines
• Provides contingency support to ensure continuous delivery such as hands on work, training, assessment.
• Identifies & implement operational efficiency projects aimed at optimising delivery

Essential Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant biological or biomedical science field
• Extensive experience in animal welfare with deep knowledge of in vivo operations under ASPA.
• Holder of a UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) and experience of hands-on delivery.
• Knowledge of 3Rs activities, inspiring others to develop 3Rs further with continuous improvement approach
• Deep understanding of Culture of Care, and role model for others to prevent compassion fatigue
• Proven track record to lead a team of technical experts
• Excellence in developing people within line, including coaching on performance
• Strong organisational skills with experience in scheduling and delivering to agreed timelines.
• Familiarity with digital systems for study tracking, resource scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record in maintaining compliance with regulatory (inc ASPA), quality, and Health & Safety (SHE) standards.
• Effective communication with direct reports, AST LT and across wider teams beyond AST
• Impactful collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams

Desirable Criteria

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant biological or biomedical field is required. For management of Section involving leading as team of scientists for specific skills (rather than physical lab space) the relevant qualification could be key e.g. for surgery team a veterinary qualification would be highly desirable. Holder of a UK Home Office Project Licence (PPL) or experience contributing to project licence applications and amendments.
• Experience of maintain AAALAC accreditation
• Experience as trainer or assessor under ASPA.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives e.g. Lean/Agile operational projects.
• Solid understanding of resource forecasting and demand planning within a scientific environment.
• Previous experience acting as a Lab Safety Coordinator or equivalent SHE representative role.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, you'll be part of a dedicated team that powers our rapidly growing enterprise. We demonstrate exciting new technology and digital innovations to accelerate our evolution. With an entrepreneurial spirit, we apply creativity to every task, taking smart risks to turn ideas into reality. Our dynamic environment fosters collaboration among bright minds who support each other while pushing boundaries. Here, you'll find countless opportunities to build an unrivalled reputation as you take your career to new heights.

Ready to ignite your career and lead a team at the forefront of scientific innovation? Apply today and become a driving force in a team where your ambition, integrity, and dedication are truly valued!

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