Senior Specialist, Biosample Operations

Biosample Operations Specialist, please see below the details:

• Hiring Manger: View email address on careers.astrazeneca.com
• Preferred Country of Hire: US
• Career Level: C
• SET Area: Operations
• Cost Center: View phone number on careers.astrazeneca.com-Cell Therapy US 4314 Cost Center
• Job Profile:none found in the job catalogue
• New Hire or Replacement: FTE: Additional Hire / New Headcount
• Name of worker being replaced:
• Already been approved: Approved

Position Summary

The Biosample Operations Specialist supports the hands-on operational management of Human Biological Samples (HBS) and related clinical trial materials for Cell Therapy programs. Based in Santa Monica, this role is responsible for sample receipt, physical and digital accessioning, controlled storage, inventory maintenance, approved sample pulls for scientists, and support of sample return, transfer, and destruction activities.

Working closely with Biosample Operations Managers and cross-functional partners, this role serves as an operational custodian for clinical samples held in the laboratory, helping ensure controlled access, accurate documentation, and sample traceability. This is an individual contributor role with no formal people management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming clinical samples and related materials, inspect and verify contents, and complete accurate physical and digital accessioning in LIMS and other applicable tracking systems.
• Serve as an operational custodian for clinical samples stored in the laboratory, maintaining controlled access, accurate labeling, inventory records, and sample traceability.
• Retrieve and prepare approved clinical samples for scientists and other authorized users; scientists will not directly access stored clinical samples.
• Support the receipt and documentation of samples for in-house laboratory analysis, including apheresis and product-related materials where applicable.
• Support sample pull, return, transfer, and destruction workflows, including required documentation and inventory updates in LIMS and related sample or project management systems.
• Maintain designated storage areas, including freezers, liquid nitrogen storage, dry ice, and other temperature-controlled environments.
• Support inventory handling for clinical samples, reagents, and selected consumables, including barcoding and record maintenance.
• Identify and escalate discrepancies, condition issues, or documentation gaps as appropriate.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and cross-functional partners, including Biobank, HBS, and Quality teams, as needed.
• Contribute to compliant record-keeping, chain-of-custody practices, and continuous improvement of operational workflows.
• Help with other responsibilities to meet team and corporate goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience in biosample operations, biobanking, sample management, laboratory operations, clinical sample handling, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in biosample operations, biobanking, sample management, laboratory operations, clinical sample handling, or a related field.
• Experience handling, accessioning, storing, and documenting biological materials with a high degree of accuracy.
• Hands-on experience with LIMS and other sample management, inventory management, or project tracking systems.
• Experience working with temperature-sensitive biological materials and controlled storage environments.
• Strong record-keeping, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting clinical trial biospecimens or Human Biological Samples (HBS).
• Experience with cryogenic materials, liquid nitrogen storage, and other cold-chain workflows.
• Familiarity with sample lifecycle activities including pull, return, destruction, and long-term storage transfer.
• Understanding of specimen handling requirements for downstream biomarker, translational, or pharmacokinetic analyses.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel 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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 to 138,378.00. 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.

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.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.