Associate Director, Precision Diagnostics Development – Early Oncology

The Associate Director, Precision Diagnostics Development – Early Oncology is accountable for ensuring that the companion diagnostic testing or equivalent segmentation tools are operationalized in our pivotal clinical studies. The role holder will achieve this by implementing the diagnostic strategy agreed with drug product teams.

The role holder will be a member of Precision Diagnostics Development Early Oncology team.  Each Associate Director will be accountable for project leading delivery to the pivotal clinical study (and other associated clinical studies). The role holder will also be accountable for running the Diagnostic Development sub-team on behalf of the drug project team.

The role holder will be accountable to the Leaders of the relevant product teams for ensuring that diagnostic development reflects extraordinary practice in the field and contributes to increased probability of successful drug launch, reimbursement and return on investment.

The Associate Director works collaboratively with colleagues as all levels in the Precision Diagnostics Development (PDD) function to deliver this expertise to drug project teams. As a PDD leader, the role holder is accountable for ensuring that all activities are delivered demonstrating behaviours and values aligned to AstraZeneca Code of Conduct and supporting policies, standards and procedures; including accountability for compliant management of Budget, Safety, Health and Environment.

Typical Accountabilities:

Strategic direction

• Implement appropriate diagnostic testing strategies within the product team(s) to meet the needs of patients, payers, physicians and contribute to drug products

• Acquire and handle investment to enable companion diagnostic development for the relevant product teams

• Deliver authoritative advice of high scientific quality on testing options for precision medicine approaches and companion diagnostic development to relevant product teams Identify the efficient diagnostic partner and collaborate closely to co-develop the diagnostic

Leadership:

• Provide leadership within PDD, including communication of a clear diagnostic strategy and inspirational vision.

• As the Lead for the diagnostic delivery, contribute to the performance management and personal development of project team members

• Supervise and ensure compliance with all AstraZeneca Policies and Standards and immediately address instances of non-compliance.

• Implement delivery of diagnostic tests for use in clinical trials, in readiness for regulatory submission and commercialisation

• Draw upon previous experience and authority knowledge to provide a relevant knowledge base of companion diagnostic development and competitive intelligence for product teams

Planning, Monitoring and Delivering

• Ensure delivery of objectives and turning points for diagnostic delivery to product teams with the leader of PDD and relevant drug product leaders

• Accountable for the delivery of diagnostic plans to time, budget and quality.

Assessing and Leading Risk

• Provide regular updates on all PDD activities for the relevant product teams for progress, risks, issues and opportunities to governance bodies or PDD leadership as required

• Work with functional representatives to resolve resource, quality and budget issues

• Lead risk in an appropriate and compliant manner

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s with 8 years or Master’s Degree and 5 years of proven experience

• Experience in companion diagnostic tests or segmentation tools in clinical development OR

• Experience of precision medicine approaches and diagnostic development within the relevant therapeutic area

• Evidence of effective skills in communication, stakeholder influencing, programme management. Understanding of the functions involved in companion diagnostic development and how they contribute to achieving the objectives of the business

Desirable:

• PhD preferred

• Previous experience in similar role in different companies

• Delivery of clinical testing, diagnostics, regulatory preparation 

• Scientific expertise in the precision medicine field or relevant therapeutic area as evidenced by publications

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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $136,514 to $204,771. 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.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here, ambitious science meets decisive action to change outcomes for people with cancer. You will join a collaborative community that unites industry and academia, fuses cutting-edge methodology with data and technology, and empowers leaders at every level to ask bold questions and take smart risks. With a pipeline rich in high-quality molecules across multiple stages and a clear path to bringing new medicines to patients, your statistical leadership will translate directly into clinical progress and real-world impact. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we back courageous ideas with the support and resources to make them real.

Call to Action:

Step into a Director, Statistics role where your judgment, innovation, and leadership will accelerate transformative medicines—bring your expertise and help write the next chapter now.

Date Posted

18-Mar-2026

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.

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.