Associate Director, Translational Operations

AstraZeneca • Santa Monica, CA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

At AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division is dedicated to pioneering the treatment, prevention, and modification of complex diseases. As part of our mission, we are looking for an Associate Director, Translational Operations to play a pivotal role in managing vendor relationships and clinical biospecimen operations, overseeing logistics and analysis of Human Biological Samples (HBS) within our clinical trial programs, with special focus on cell therapy clinical trials.

Requirements

• BS with at least 8 years, MS with 5 years and PhD with 3 years of relevant experience in biospecimen management, clinical research, or translational operations.
• Experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and human biosample logistics within clinical trials.
• Familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and experience with biomarker assays, pharmacokinetic analysis, and related laboratory techniques.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effectively collaborate with diverse teams and present findings to both technical and non-technical partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead translational operations for cell therapy clinical trials, supporting clinical operations and managing external vendors to ensure, high-quality and budget-compliant biospecimen logistics and analysis.
• Oversee HBS logistics from trial sites to analytical labs, ensuring sample integrity and traceability, and compliance with contracted timelines.
• Be the primary contact for operational vendor management, collaborating with scientific teams on vendor selection, onboarding, and integration.
• Negotiate and execute contracts (e.g., Master Services Agreements, Scope of Work/Work Orders, Data Transfer Agreements, etc.) working cross functionally with Clinical, Data Management, Legal, Procurement, and Finance teams.
• Collaborate with program teams to maintain development plans, assess risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with sample collection, processing, storage, and shipment in collaboration with Clinical Operations, CROs, and vendors.
• Lead meetings, track action items, and ensure prompt execution of follow-up actions, ensure compliance with AZ guidelines and contribute to clinical/regulatory documentation.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• Equity-based long-term incentive program
• 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level