Associate Director Study Management, Central Lab Operations

Introduction to role: Are you ready to turn complex biosampling strategies into decisive, inspection-ready evidence that advances pivotal clinical studies? In this role, you will lead the operational strategy for central laboratory activities across global trials, translating scientific intent into reliable, on-time data that informs trial decisions and ultimately improves patient outcomes. You will be the laboratory operations subject matter expert for the study team, orchestrating cross-functional delivery from protocol through close-out. Working closely with scientific leads, clinical operations, data management, supply chain and external laboratories, you will align kit design, logistics, testing workflows and data reconciliation to the needs of each study. Can you anticipate laboratory risks before they materialize and simplify the path from sample to insight? The Associate Director, Study Management – Central Laboratory Operations (ADSM Central Lab) is a core member of the global study team and acts as the central laboratory operational subject matter expert (SME) and therapy area (TA) lab expert. This role provides end-to-end operational oversight of central laboratory activities from Clinical Study Protocol (CSP) development through study set-up, maintenance, close-out, and study archiving. The ADSM Central Lab leads cross-functional collaboration across Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine, Bioanalytics, Clinical Development, Biosampling, Data Management, Site Management & Monitoring, R&D Supply Chain, Procurement, and external service providers (e.g., central labs and third-party labs), ensuring delivery to scope, quality, budget, and timelines. The role drives laboratory-related initiatives and workstreams, establishes standards, and continuously improves central lab processes in line with current clinical trial regulations (e.g., ICH GCP), AstraZeneca SOPs, policies, guidelines, and AZ values and behaviours. This role is a hybrid position and we require employees to work 3 days in the office per week. Accountabilities: - Central Lab Strategy and Oversight: Define and lead the end-to-end operational strategy for central laboratory activities across assigned studies and programs, aligned to protocol, biosampling plans and scientific requirements, to deliver scope, quality, budget and timelines. - SOW Ownership: Own central laboratory Scope of Work development and execution, consolidating scientific input, coordinating reviews, managing comments, securing COL/budget alignment, ensuring execution and eTMF completeness. - Laboratory Operations Leadership: Serve as the operational point-of-contact between study teams, scientific functions and central labs; drive timely kit design and supply, sampling instructions, shipping logistics and testing workflows that meet study needs. - Sample Lifecycle Management: Coordinate sample flow from sites to central labs and onward to third-party labs; manage country-specific biosampling requirements and restrictions; proactively identify and mitigate laboratory risks. - Data and Reconciliation Support: Act as escalation point for laboratory data reconciliation; share reconciliation logs and partner with CRAs and Data Management on issue resolution; advise on header file DTS questions. - Clinical Data Lock Readiness: Confirm analysis scope with science, statistics and Data Management; secure central lab timelines; ensure samples are shipped, received and tested to meet CDL needs; partner with GSAD and central labs to communicate DCO expectations. - Consent Withdrawal Operations: Lead central lab/third-party lab/biobank actions related to consent withdrawal in VCV, reconcile completion of laboratory actions, and coordinate site actions with CRAs; review study-specific Patient Follow-Up and Consent Withdrawal Checklist templates. - Vendor and Budget Oversight: Provide operational oversight of central lab vendors, including PO coordination where applicable, budget review, invoice reconciliation and performance monitoring; document CRO/central lab oversight per standards. - Inspection Readiness and Quality: Ensure laboratory documents (SOWs, lab manuals, kit instructions, communications) are complete, accurate and archived in the eTMF; adhere to global clinical processes and Quality & Compliance manuals to maintain inspection readiness. - Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead and facilitate laboratory-focused forums and contribute laboratory content to Investigators’/Monitors’ Meetings; align stakeholders on biosampling priorities, timelines and operational decisions. - TA and Lab SME Responsibilities: Serve as therapy area laboratory expert to study teams, providing guidance that links scientific objectives to operational execution. - Process Improvement and Standardization: Drive centralization and standardization of lab operational tasks, templates, guidance and tools; lead or contribute to continuous improvement and change projects; identify opportunities for automation and AI and implement where applicable. - Documentation and Communication: Develop and maintain laboratory operational plans, timelines and risk registers; communicate lab updates and their impact on CSP, ICF, TMG and essential documents; support distribution of essential documents to co-development partners per agreements. - Global Initiatives: Participate in lab-related global non-study initiatives that uplift capabilities and standards across the portfolio. - Training and Enablement: Deliver targeted training and guidance on central lab processes to Study and Program Management and broader clinical teams; capture and share lessons learned and best practices. Essential Skills/Experience: Minimum of bachelor's degree, preferably in medical or biological sciences or a discipline associated with clinical research. At least 5 years of relevant clinical experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 2+ years of project management experience; substantive. Extensive knowledge of clinical research regulatory requirements and laboratory operations; excellent understanding of ICH/GCP, and study management processes. Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to influence without authority and coordinate complex workstreams across scientific and operational functions. Proven project management skills, including planning, risk management, timeline and budget oversight, and vendor coordination; proficiency with standard project tools and IT systems. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills; strong negotiation and conflict management capabilities. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage competing priorities and maintain attention to detail. Fluent verbal and written English. Desirable Skills/Experience: Advanced degree, Masters level education (or higher) Project management certification Proven project management experience on a global level Experience in all phases of a clinical study lifecycle Experience with central lab operations Proficiency in Microsoft Project Basic change management skills Good intercultural awareness Demonstrates ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines Team oriented and flexible; ability to respond quickly to shifting demands and opportunities The annual base pay for this position ranges from $137,937 USD to $206,906 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. Why AstraZeneca: Here, your expertise turns samples into answers that matter for patients. We bring diverse specialists together to move fast on an ambitious, innovative pipeline, combining cutting-edge science with data and technology to push beyond the expected. You will collaborate across internal teams and leading external partners, shaping standards as we aim to rapidly advance multiple indications and deliver the next chapter of new medicines. We value kindness alongside ambition, encouraging smart risk-taking and continuous learning as you lead at every level. Call to Action: If you are ready to own the central lab engine that powers pivotal decisions and accelerate the path from biosample to breakthrough, take the next step and apply today. Date Posted 28-May-2026 Closing Date 28-Jun-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.