Associate Director, Biologics Production

Multispecifics are redefining what’s possible in biologics. We’re building a high‑throughput, automation‑first production engine that delivers complex antibodies faster, at higher quality, and at scale, and we’re looking for a proven leader to take it to the next level. 

As Associate Director, Biologics Production (Expression & Purification), you will lead a team responsible for end‑to‑end expression and purification of multispecific antibodies and complex biologics (typically >100 mL lab scale, with pathways to multi‑liter). You’ll combine scientific depth with platform thinking, automation/robotics integration, and clear operational execution to compress DNA‑to‑data timelines for programs across AstraZeneca. 

What you’ll lead: 

Production & Process Development 

• Own the sequence‑to‑material pipeline for multispecifics and complex biologics: transient transfection (primarily CHO), harvest/clarification, capture, polish, and QC‑ready delivery. 
• Design and direct platform strategies that solve multispecific‑specific challenges (e.g., chain mispairing, aggregation control, avidity‑based separations). 
• Build scalable purification flowsheets (Protein A/Fc alternatives, kappa/lambda selection, IEX/mixed‑mode, SEC) and drive DoE‑based optimization to lift yield, purity, and robustness. 
• Closely align with Protein Engineering & Novel Modalities (PENM) on strategy, planning and prioritization to accelerate project delivery.  

Automation & Digital Transformation 

• Spearhead high‑throughput operations using integrated automation and orchestration. 
• Liquid handling systems such as Hamilton (e.g., Microlab STAR/Vantage) for upstream sample prep, titrations, and parallel mini‑purifications. 
• Robotics scheduling/orchestration using Green Button Go Scheduler or similar systems to coordinate liquid handlers, incubators, plate readers, and chromatography queues. 
• Seamless handoffs into chromatography (e.g., ÄKTA Pure/Avant; rapid cycles with Fibro PrismA) and analytical stations (SEC‑HPLC/UPLC, CE‑SDS). 
• Champion digitalization by enforcing data integrity through Genedata Biologics and ELN, standardizing workflows and SOPs, and integrating telemetry and metrics (including lead times, yield, monomer percentage, and endotoxin levels) into real-time dashboards. 
• Set up and optimize requesting systems and digital workflows to streamline operations and improve efficiency. 
• Drive continuous cycle‑time reductions through automation scripts, method libraries, and scheduler templates; partner with Engineering/Automation to extend capabilities over time. 

Technical Leadership 

• Provide deep bench‑to‑platform guidance across construct inputs (tags/geometries), culture conditions, clarification approaches, and purification schemes tailored to bispecifics, tri‑, and tetra‑specific formats. 
• Elevate in‑process controls and release‑for‑use criteria in partnership with Analytics & Developability (e.g., SEC, CE‑SDS, HCP/endotoxin panels), ensuring materials are fit for decision‑making in discovery and lead optimization. 
• Establish robust troubleshooting playbooks (e.g., mispair diagnostics, mixed‑mode polishing rescue, rapid re‑prep) to keep delivery on track. 

Team Development & Strategy 

• Recruit, develop, and empower a high‑performing team of scientists and engineers; set objectives, coach careers, and nurture a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement. 
• Define the 3–12 month roadmap for throughput, automation, and quality aligning capacity to portfolio demand and clarifying make‑vs‑buy triggers with preferred partners. 
• Demonstrate Manager-in-Action behaviours as a role model; ensure proactive SHE ownership within the laboratories. 

Cross‑Functional Impact 

• Serve as a strategic partner to Protein Engineering & Novel Modalities (PENM), Assays/Profiling & Pharmacology (APP), PS&A Analytics & Developability, Therapeutic Areas, and maintain close alignment with the Biologics Engineering organization in the UK.  
• Collaborate with BPD Purification Process Sciences for scale‑up readiness and with senior leadership on budgets, resin strategies, consumables and instrumentation planning. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bio/Chemical Engineering, or related field. 
• 8–10+ years in biologics production/purification within biotech/pharma, including leadership of teams delivering complex antibody modalities (multispecifics strongly preferred). 
• Deep command of mammalian expression (transient CHO/HEK) and downstream purification for complex formats. 
• Hands‑on with ÄKTA systems (method development + operations), HPLC/UPLC, CE‑SDS, and related analytics. 
• Proven experience deploying liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton) and robotics orchestration (e.g., Green Button Go® Scheduler); familiarity with scheduler logic, error handling, and lab integration. 
• Working knowledge of Genedata Biologics, ELN and strong data integrity instincts.
• Track record building platform workflows, raising throughput, and shortening DNA‑to‑material lead times via automation and process rigor. 
• Excellent stakeholder management and project leadership across matrixed discovery teams; clear, concise scientific communication. 

Desirable Qualifications:

• Exposure to mixed‑mode/novel resin strategies for mispair control; rapid capture (e.g., Fibro media) and clarification innovations. 
• Basic scripting or data skills (e.g., Python/R) and comfort with APIs/integration concepts; experience with additional schedulers/LIMS a plus. 
• Experience with externalization models and CRO/CMO coordination for elastic capacity. 

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!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $134,892.80 - $202,339.20 USD. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as 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. 

Date Posted

04-Sep-2025

Closing Date

16-Oct-2025

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 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.