Director, Translational Science Full Time on the ground

Overview

In this role you will lead the Translational Pathology portfolio, shaping strategy and delivering interpretable data to inform development decisions. You will mentor and manage a scientific team, collaborate across discovery, biology, pharmacology and clinical teams, and ensure quality and compliance. You’ll drive cross-functional initiatives, integrate pathology insights into development plans, and advance biomarker science to support AstraZeneca’s cancer mission. This leadership role offers high autonomy and a chance to influence portfolio outcomes at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible employee benefits fund
• holiday purchase and flexible time off
• pension contributions
• Share Save Plans
• performance recognition scheme
• competitive remuneration package

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership across the Translational Pathology portfolio and ensure studies are fit for purpose
• Act as an expert in histopathology, tissue-based biomarkers, immunohistochemistry, digital pathology, image analysis, and data review
• Develop and challenge experimental plans, endpoints, and timelines with clear success criteria
• Maintain an integrated view of project scope, milestones, risks and resource needs
• Lead projects or workstreams with design, interpretation and delivery of outputs
• Ensure pathology activities comply with GCP, protocols, procedures and quality standards
• Coordinate preparation, quality review, interpretation and handover of pathology data packages
• Plan and prioritise team capacity across pathology review, IHC, image analysis, and related capabilities
• Lead, mentor and develop scientists, promoting excellence and growth
• Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate pathology into development strategies
• Present portfolio updates and recommendations to teams and governance forums
• Contribute to Translational Pathology strategy, technology and operating-model development
• Contribute to improvements in pathology, biomarker science, and therapeutic research

Key requirements

• Significant postdoctoral or equivalent experience in academia, biotech, pharma or related settings
• Substantial practical experience in histopathology within translational or pharmaceutical environments
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry including assay development and interpretation
• Experience with GCLP/GLP/ISO 15189/ISO 17025 or similar quality standards and audits
• Experience leading multiple concurrent projects with resource and risk management
• Ability to critically evaluate data and recommend next steps
• Excellent written and verbal communication for specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Proven ability to work across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams

• Strong leadership and mentorship abilities
• Strategic thinking and portfolio management
• Excellent communication and collaboration across functions
• Histopathology
• Immunohistochemistry (assay development/optimisation)
• Tissue-based biomarker analysis

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