Associate Director, Operations

Associate Director, Translational Operations

Santa Monica, CA, Gaithersburg, MD or Los Angeles, CA

At AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs.

AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division is dedicated to pioneering the treatment, prevention, and modification of complex diseases. As part of our mission, we are looking for an Associate Director, Translational Operations to play a pivotal role in managing vendor relationships and clinical biospecimen operations, overseeing logistics and analysis of Human Biological Samples (HBS) within our clinical trial programs, with special focus on cell therapy clinical trials.

Responsibilities:

• Lead translational operations for cell therapy clinical trials, supporting clinical operations and managing external vendors to ensure, high-quality and budget-compliant biospecimen logistics and analysis.
• Oversee HBS logistics from trial sites to analytical labs, ensuring sample integrity and traceability, and compliance with contracted timelines.
• Be the primary contact for operational vendor management, collaborating with scientific teams on vendor selection, onboarding, and integration.
• Negotiate and execute contracts (e.g., Master Services Agreements, Scope of Work/Work Orders, Data Transfer Agreements, etc.) working cross functionally with Clinical, Data Management, Legal, Procurement, and Finance teams.
• Collaborate with program teams to maintain development plans, assess risks, and implement corrective actions. Troubleshoot and resolve issues with sample collection, processing, storage, and shipment in collaboration with Clinical Operations, CROs, and vendors.
• Lead meetings, track action items, and ensure prompt execution of follow-up actions, ensure compliance with AZ guidelines and contribute to clinical/regulatory documentation.

Education and Experience:

• BS with at least 8 years, MS with 5 years and PhD with 3 years of relevant experience in biospecimen management, clinical research, or translational operations.
• Experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and human biosample logistics within clinical trials.
• Familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and experience with biomarker assays, pharmacokinetic analysis, and related laboratory techniques.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effectively collaborate with diverse teams and present findings to both technical and non-technical partners.

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 salary for this position ranges from $142,377.00 to $213,566.00. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related experience. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and we reserve the right to modify base salary (and any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

• 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.