Diagnostics Science Liaison, Oncology

JOB TITLE

Diagnostic Science Liaison, Oncology

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Diagnostic Science Liaison (DSL) is a field-based diagnostics expert who advances precision oncology by enabling timely, accurate biomarker testing and optimal patient identification across the care pathway. Reporting to the Diagnostics Manager, the DSL is the primary scientific point of contact for molecular diagnostics within assigned institutions and regions, building partnerships with healthcare professionals (HCPs), pathology and laboratory networks, and relevant stakeholders to optimize testing access, quality, and utilization.

With deep scientific knowledge of diagnostic tests and practical understanding of operational issues across the testing pathway (pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical), the Diagnostic Science Liaison engages in balanced and scientific exchange, identifies barriers and opportunities in the local diagnostic ecosystem, and translates insights to inform Medical and Diagnostic strategies. The DSL ensures the availability and correct use of in-market companion and complementary diagnostics, fostering sustainable, high-quality testing solutions throughout the patient journey. The role supports compliant education, evidence generation, and pathway optimization to accelerate appropriate testing adoption and improve patient outcomes.

What you’ll do

Build, enhance, and maintain advocacy with Key External Experts (KEEs) and stakeholders

• Identify, prioritize, and expand KEEs across oncology, pathology, molecular genetics, pulmonology, Laboratory leadership and non-traditional stakeholders (e.g., payers, policy makers, hospital administrators) based on scientific influence and potential to drive testing practice change
• Map patient care and sample journeys within priority accounts/ institutions, characterize multidisciplinary team maturity, and identify decision makers influencing testing protocols.
• Conduct objective and balanced scientific exchange discussions on biomarker biology, testing modalities, clinical pathways, and outcomes evidence to increase awareness of the clinical impact of testing.
• Identify and develop speakers, and recommend advisory board/ round table participants to provide expertise on testing standards and protocols.
• Generate actionable insights on testing behaviours, barriers and opportunities and share with cross-functional teams to inform planning and address unmet needs.

Build and implement diagnostic programs to address unmet medical and diagnostics needs

• Facilitate continuous medical education and execute compliant diagnostic programs and materials that demonstrate clinical utility and outcomes to accelerate HCP adoption of appropriate testing.
• Define and refine the end-to-end patient and sample journey in each strategic account; identify main patient leakage points and implement solutions to remove access barriers for HCPs and patients.
• Expand availability of testing beyond companion diagnostics by identifying, validating, and onboarding appropriate local/central lab solutions and platforms, support lab readiness, capacity, and business continuity in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Support monitoring and improvement of testing quality and accuracy.

Contribute to Medical and Diagnostic Strategy

• Provide structured, timely feedback on local testing trends, unmet needs, and competitor diagnostics, and translate insights into recommendations for account plans, medical priorities and evidence needs.
• Execute diagnostic activities within priority accounts to optimize impact on patient identification and treatment initiation.
• Deliver internal trainings on biomarkers, testing pathways, local ecosystem and quality considerations, as needed

Facilitate local evidence generation

• Lead or support local/regional evidence generation on testing quality, clinical utility, turnaround time, and biomarker prevalence and partner with Evidence Generation/ Medical teams to address evidence gaps that influence adoption and guideline inclusion.
• Upon request, support feasibility, site selection, and operations for clinical studies focused on diagnostics and testing pathways

Corporate responsibility and Governance:

• Ensure compliance with AZ Code of Ethics, corporate governance, audit requirements, guidelines, industry codes, policies and procedures, and disclose potential breach.

• Ensure that company confidentiality is maintained (i.e. intellectual property, product, strategic and salary information).
• Ensure patient confidentiality and safety are safeguarded.
• Ensure that all conducted activities are done in accordance with local legislation and corporate standards.
• Report health/ environment/ wellbeing related accidents, adverse events, and conflict of interest as per respective procedures and on a timely manner

Essential for the role

• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, biomedical or life sciences (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in diagnostics and/or clinical testing markets.
• Fluency in English
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information effectively across channels
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• High analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix multi-cultural organization and cross-functional environment

Desirable for the role

• Oncology experience
• Postgraduate degree in molecular biology or related scientific discipline (e.g. M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D.)
• Experience with evidence generation (e.g., RWE, quality studies, biomarker prevalence), clinical or basic research, and KEE interactions.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Training in oncology therapeutic areas, AZ products and pipeline, and competitor landscape.
• Expertise in the diagnostic / biomarker testing process.
• Experience in budget management
• Understanding of Medical Affairs department

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.
• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn

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Date Posted

26-Mar-2026

Closing Date

04-Apr-2026

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.

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.