Director, Next-Generation Sequencing for Biologics Engineering
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
AstraZeneca's Biologics Engineering team seeks an experienced Director of Next-Generation Sequencing to lead the strategic evolution of our NGS capabilities, with emphasis on biologics discovery, automation, and AI-integrated data pipelines.
This is not just a strategic role — we need someone who understands science from the bench up. Someone who can speak the language of wet lab scientists and computational biologists. Someone who is passionate about lab-based innovation, translating NGS data into breakthrough biologics, and building world-class capabilities!
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define and execute global NGS strategy across Biologics Engineering, focusing on antibody repertoire sequencing, TCR discovery, and machine learning integration.
Drive cross-functional collaboration with AI teams to ensure seamless integration of sequencing data into ML models for antibody design and optimization.
Represent AstraZeneca at international conferences and establish high-profile academic and industry partnerships
Team Leadership & Development
Lead local team in Gaithersburg while collaborating across matrixed global organization with sites in Cambridge, UK, and Waltham, Massachusetts.
Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent in NGS, laboratory automation, and data science.
Foster culture of scientific excellence and innovation, inspiring teams to deliver breakthrough solutions
Technical Innovation & Implementation
Evaluate and implement next-generation sequencing platforms (Illumina, ONT, PacBio) to maintain competitive advantage.
Oversee automation of sample preparation, library construction, and sequencing workflows to maximize reproducibility, throughput, and data quality.
Partner closely with bioinformaticians to establish, optimize, and scale custom data pipelines for antibody sequence analysis, lineage tracing, and repertoire diversity assessment
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Establish integrated NGS-driven lead identification capabilities through strategic partnership with Discovery in-vitro and in-vivo teams.
Ensure NGS data infrastructure supports data-driven decision-making in biologics discovery
Align NGS capabilities within Biologics Engineering and with Therapeutic Areas objectives across global R&D organization.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics,Biochemistry or related field.
10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, with significant focus on biologics and antibody discovery.
Extensive hands-on experience with NGS workflows and platforms, demonstrating deep understanding of data generation requirements.
Proven expertise in laboratory automation systems and high-throughput genomics applications.
Strong understanding of data pipeline development and bioinformatics workflows, with ability to effectively collaborate with computational scientists.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing high-performing scientific teams in global, matrixed organizations.
Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including senior leadership presentations and keynote speaking at external conferences.
Preferred
Programming proficiency in Python and/or R with experience in NGS pipeline development (e.g.Nextflow).
Deep knowledge of antibody discovery methodologies including hybridoma, phage display, single-cell approaches, and immune repertoire analysis.
Experience integrating NGS data with AI/ML models for biologics discovery applications.
Familiarity with Genedata Biologics, cloud computing platforms, and structural bioinformatics tools.
Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations in relevant fields.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $172,672.00 - $259,008.00. 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
19-Aug-2025Closing Date
29-Aug-2025Our 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.
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