Senior Director, Pathology Diagnostics - Global Oncology

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

2d • $247,786 - $371,679 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Pathology Diagnostics, Global Oncology Diagnostics, is accountable for developing and executing global scientific strategy for pathologic diagnosis—including digital and computational pathology and molecular pathology—for AstraZeneca oncology diagnostic solutions worldwide. The role advances and integrates digital and computational pathology methods to transform cancer diagnostics and use data-driven approaches to improve accuracy and reproducibility.

The position supports four areas: maximizing global biomarker adoption and facilitating local testing solutions through innovative digital and computational pathology platforms; generating clinical evidence with Oncology Medical Affairs; developing medical education for the laboratory community to support local testing adoption and digital and computational pathology best practices; and leading real-world data generation for pathology diagnostic solutions using related analytics and technologies.

Working with cross-functional partners, regions, and countries, the Senior Director coordinates Oncology diagnostic activities, collaborates on the global medical plan for patient identification solutions, and helps implement the Oncology Diagnostics medical strategy, emphasizing digital and computational pathology platforms. The role also contributes to KEE advocacy and engagement plans in laboratory segments, leads Scientific Advisory Boards and other diagnostic activities at scientific events, and champions AstraZeneca's leadership in digital and computational pathology at major scientific events and forums.

The position may be based at the Gaithersburg, Maryland campus or the Barcelona, Spain hub. Employees work from the office an average minimum of three days per week, with individual flexibility respected.

Requirements

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school, or a PhD.
• At least 5 years of experience in medical affairs, global diagnostics, the biopharmaceutical industry, and/or academia.
• Experience or substantial exposure to digital and/or computational pathology.

Nice To Haves

• MD with an accredited pathology residency and fellowship in a clinical or molecular subspecialty.
• Strong life sciences foundation, such as molecular biology or pathology, and experience in clinical companion diagnostic development using digital and computational pathology methodologies.
• Membership in relevant diagnostics professional societies.
• Over 5 years of Medical Affairs experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO settings, including collaboration with integrated delivery networks, accountable care organizations, and payers.
• Stakeholder engagement skills, including engagement with KEE, advocacy groups, and payers.
• Familiarity with global regulatory organizations and guidelines, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and pharmaceutical product development across clinical operations, commercial, regulatory, and medical affairs aspects of companion diagnostics and digital/computational pathology.
• Demonstrated scientific and medical judgment, problem-solving abilities, and practical understanding of scientific methods and clinical applications in digital and computational pathology.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within matrixed, cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global scientific strategy for pathologic diagnosis, including digital and computational pathology and molecular pathology.
• Advance and integrate digital and computational pathology methods to improve cancer diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility.
• Support global biomarker adoption and the development of local testing solutions through digital and computational pathology platforms.
• Generate clinical evidence in collaboration with Oncology Medical Affairs.
• Develop medical education for the laboratory community, with a focus on local testing adoption and digital and computational pathology best practices.
• Lead efforts to generate real-world data for pathology diagnostic solutions using digital and computational pathology analytics and technologies.
• Coordinate Oncology diagnostic activities with cross-functional partners, regions, and countries.
• Collaborate on the global medical plan for patient identification solutions for AstraZeneca Oncology products.
• Partner with cross-functional collaborators to implement the Oncology Diagnostics medical strategy, emphasizing digital and computational pathology platforms.
• Assist in developing KEE advocacy and engagement plans in laboratory segments.
• Lead Scientific Advisory Boards and other diagnostics activities at scientific events, including major congresses and forums.
• Champion AstraZeneca's leadership in digital and computational pathology at major scientific events and forums.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
• Eligibility to participate in an equity-based long-term incentive program for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Paid leaves.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree