Associate Director, Translational Research Hematology R&D

AstraZeneca•Waltham, MA

1d•$265,000 - $397,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases! We are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. AstraZeneca has an engaging environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we cultivate and build talent. Within Hematology R&D, we are committed to advancing the science to deliver life changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of six scientific platforms (Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody-drug Conjugates, Cell Therapy and Epigenetics) to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of hematological cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development, enabling rapid acceleration of promising early-stage assets and life-cycle management programs Translational Medicine (TM) overview Translational Medicine transforms hematological cancer biology into actionable insights for therapeutic development and clinical decision-making within the Oncology space. Operating within the Hematology R&D division, TM is responsible for delivering innovative, strategic biomarker studies to support Hematology & Oncology project teams to make decisions. The TM team collaborates closely with preclinical bioscience and discovery, early clinical development, and precision medicine & Biosamples functions. TM provides robust, scientifically driven biomarkers for all Hematology projects covering leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This includes assay development, technical validation, and biomarker analysis for clinical samples. TM conducts translational research across early and late-phase clinical engagements, integrating advanced biomarker strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The Translational Research (TR) group is responsible for delivering laboratory assay development across our drug programs and impactful translational insights across our high priority cancer types Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities The Associate Director plays an integral role leading a small team in the development of translational assays, delivery of translational data, and hands-on execution of critical translational experiments and projects that support the Heme Translational Medicine Department’s strategy. This includes clinical trial support, pre-clinical drug development, and cross-indication delivery. The Associate Director will have a special focus on supporting programs in multiple myeloma and blood cancer precursor conditions. The AD is responsible for the design and execution of non-clinical and translational experiments to understand hematological tumor biology, supporting the AZ portfolio. This work includes, but is not limited to, testing target expression after treatment, novel MRD technologies, reverse translation approaches to identify mechanisms of resistance, and informing new combinations across multiple heme indications.

Requirements

Doctorate degree in immunology, molecular biology or related field with experience in hematology-oncology.
Minimum of 5 years of industry experience including managerial experience of junior scientists and technicians.
Strong background in oncology, cell biology, immunology, and small molecule drug discovery, ADCs, cell therapies or TCEs.
Strong hands-on experience with translational lab methodologies applicable to biomarker studies in pre-clinical models and clinical trials (eg. NGS, flow cytometry, qPCR, etc) including data analysis of large datasets.
Collaborating with clinical teams and working with clinical trial samples including for e.g. peripheral blood and bone marrow.
Knowledge of clinical protocol design and biospecimen logistics.
Robust track record of scientific achievement, and innovation approaches as evidenced by publication record.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work as an integral member of a team, and proficiency in training and manging a team.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proven excellence in designing, executing, and interpreting cancer biomarker studies in preclinical models and clinical trials, including biomarker development, validation, and clinical application.

Responsibilities

This role will lead translational assay development supporting programs in multiple myeloma and blood cancer precursor conditions, as well as other heme malignancies indications.
Integrate Translational Medicine Research Scientists with broader drug development teams, including translational medicine (TM leads, data scientists, etc.), discovery, and clinical groups.
Manage a team of lab-based scientists to support Hematology Translational Medicine research efforts.
Apply literature reviews, protocols, networking and prior laboratory experience to advance clinical and pre-clinical aims of the Hematology Translational Medicine group.
Demonstrate excellent organizational and communication skills for cross-functional interactions.
Writes research papers, abstracts, technical reports, regulatory documents and SOPs.
Performs all duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations.

Benefits

Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.
Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

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