Associate Director, Diagnostics and Laboratory Science

Location: Cambridge

Salary: competitive

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to harness computational pathology  and AI to move diagnostics from code to clinic? Do you want your work to directly shape how patients are diagnosed and treated? This role leads the scientific and technical integration of computational pathology  and AI-enabled diagnostics into accredited laboratories, turning cutting-edge algorithms into validated tools that influence real clinical decisions.

You will partner across research, clinical, regulatory, and lab operations to design fit-for-purpose studies, set rigorous acceptance criteria, and deliver analytical validation that stands up to regulatory scrutiny. Your leadership will ensure compliance, reproducibility, and documentation excellence, while your scientific curiosity drives new proposals in computational pathology and multimodal diagnostics that accelerate our pipeline and impact patient outcomes.

Accountabilities:

•            Developing  and leading AI-based computational pathology diagnostic and integration within the AZ accredited labs, partnering across the organisation to ensure computational pathology diagnostics are accurately validated.

•            Leading the scientific and technical diligence of AI-enabled diagnostic solutions for the clinical portfolio.

•            Delivering innovative scientific proposals across core diagnostic areas, spanning computational pathology and multimodal diagnostics.

•            Define fit-for-purpose study designs and acceptance criteria; lead analytical validation plans for AI algorithms to meet regulatory requirements; for example, in accordance with CAP/CLIA, GCP, and applicable IVD/Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) within our accredited labs.

•            Maintain expert awareness of advances in computational pathology, including for example foundation models, multimodal AI, spatial biology, and evolving regulatory policy; evaluate and pilot new technologies with clear success criteria and build productive external collaborations and vendor relationships.

•            Provide technical mentorship and matrix leadership with a focus on compliance, reproducibility, documentation excellence, and patient impact.  

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Masters/PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Computational Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics).

• Hands-on experience deploying AI/computational diagnostics in regulated environments (e.g., CAP/CLIA, in alignment with IVD/SaMD expectations)

• Deep expertise in digital pathology and image analysis (e.g., whole-slide imaging, IHC/IF quantitation, tissue segmentation, cell phenotyping, computational biomarkers) and practical ML/AI model development and validation.

• Proven track record of validation and operationalization of AI diagnostic tools, including data pipeline design, MLOps in clinical settings, performance monitoring, bias/robustness assessment, and post-deployment lifecycle management.

• Ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects and to collaborate with laboratory operations, pathologists, data/AI teams, and external diagnostic partners.

• Clear communication and stakeholder influencing with balanced, objective decision-making

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience with regulatory interactions for AI/ML-enabled diagnostics or software (e.g., FDA, EMA, MHRA) and familiarity with Good Machine Learning Practice and SaMD guidance.

• Experience in oncology precision medicine and companion diagnostic co-development

• Expertise with multiplex protein technologies (e.g., immunofluorescence, spatial omics, proteomics) and integration of computational readouts with histopathology.

• Strong data engineering/MLOps skills (e.g., containerization, CI/CD, model registry, audit trails) and familiarity with FAIR data principles, privacy/security by design.

• Board-certification in Anatomic Pathology (or equivalent) or substantial experience partnering with board-certified pathologists in clinical deployment.

• Track record of external collaborations with diagnostic companies, academic labs, CROs, and platform vendors

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

Why AstraZeneca:

Here, mission-driven science meets real-world impact. You will work in an environment that fuses academic rigor with industry pace, where diverse minds collaborate to solve complex problems and move breakthroughs toward patients. Expect access to cutting-edge technology, a bold pipeline with multiple indications, and a global network of collaborations spanning dozens of countries and leading medical centers. We value kindness alongside ambition, empower leaders at every level, and back smart risk-taking with the support needed to turn promising ideas into validated solutions.

So, what’s next?

Complete your application before the below closing date.

We welcome your application no later than 11th  January 2026

Where can I find out more?

Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

Date Posted

22-Dec-2025

Closing Date

11-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.