Overview
In this role you will lead the Translational Pathology portfolio, shaping strategy and delivering interpretable data to inform development decisions. You will mentor and manage a scientific team, collaborate across discovery, biology, pharmacology and clinical teams, and ensure quality and compliance. You’ll drive cross-functional initiatives, integrate pathology insights into development plans, and advance biomarker science to support AstraZeneca’s cancer mission. This leadership role offers high autonomy and a chance to influence portfolio outcomes at scale.
Pay / Benefits
- flexible employee benefits fund
- holiday purchase and flexible time off
- pension contributions
- Share Save Plans
- performance recognition scheme
- competitive remuneration package
Responsibilities
- Provide scientific leadership across the Translational Pathology portfolio and ensure studies are fit for purpose
- Act as an expert in histopathology, tissue-based biomarkers, immunohistochemistry, digital pathology, image analysis, and data review
- Develop and challenge experimental plans, endpoints, and timelines with clear success criteria
- Maintain an integrated view of project scope, milestones, risks and resource needs
- Lead projects or workstreams with design, interpretation and delivery of outputs
- Ensure pathology activities comply with GCP, protocols, procedures and quality standards
- Coordinate preparation, quality review, interpretation and handover of pathology data packages
- Plan and prioritise team capacity across pathology review, IHC, image analysis, and related capabilities
- Lead, mentor and develop scientists, promoting excellence and growth
- Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate pathology into development strategies
- Present portfolio updates and recommendations to teams and governance forums
- Contribute to Translational Pathology strategy, technology and operating-model development
- Contribute to improvements in pathology, biomarker science, and therapeutic research
Key requirements
- Significant postdoctoral or equivalent experience in academia, biotech, pharma or related settings
- Substantial practical experience in histopathology within translational or pharmaceutical environments
- Expertise in immunohistochemistry including assay development and interpretation
- Experience with GCLP/GLP/ISO 15189/ISO 17025 or similar quality standards and audits
- Experience leading multiple concurrent projects with resource and risk management
- Ability to critically evaluate data and recommend next steps
- Excellent written and verbal communication for specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Proven ability to work across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams
- Strong leadership and mentorship abilities
- Strategic thinking and portfolio management
- Excellent communication and collaboration across functions
- Histopathology
- Immunohistochemistry (assay development/optimisation)
- Tissue-based biomarker analysis
Director, Translational Science in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that values entrepreneurial thinking and scientific excellence, alongside opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and cross-functional projects. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, AstraZeneca fosters a supportive atmosphere that empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to life-changing medicines.
