Associate Director, Biologics Automation

Associate Director, Biologics Automation

Gaithersburg, MD

At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, pioneering ground-breaking methods, and bringing cross-functional teams together!

We are looking for an accomplished Associate Director of Automation to lead our Gaithersburg team of scientific and technical specialists in the automation of biologics drug discovery workflows within our Biologics Engineering department – responsible for biologics discovery across AstraZeneca’s therapeutic portfolio.

Accountabilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing scientific delivery and team leadership across a local team of Gaithersburg US-based scientists, with a primary focus on ensuring the successful technical and operational implementation of automation in our US biologics drug discovery workflows. The successful candidate will work in support of the Senior Director of Automation in implementing our vision, leadership, and delivery in automating our drug discovery workflows. The candidate should still possess a solid understanding of strategic objectives and be able to contribute to their implementation.

This position requires strong management, mentorship, and technical expertise. This is a unique opportunity to apply scientific and operational leadership within cutting-edge technical fields of research to create future medicines to feed our expanding portfolio of biologics medicines.

Your team will include ~4 dedicated automation specialists working at one of our major R&D hubs in Gaithersburg, US. You will be expected to work in close partnership with scientists across our Biologics Engineering department (incorporating teams including Bioinformatics, Augmented Design, Protein Sciences, Protein Engineering, and Assays, Profiling and Pharmacology), as well as build strong networks and collaborations across AstraZeneca.

You will work to enable our approach to reimagining biologics discovery workflows through internal innovation as well as strategic external partnerships in the automation space.

What you'll do:

• Lead a direct line of ~4 scientists on our Gaithersburg, US site focused on Automation.
• Contribute to matrix projects across AstraZeneca R&D to implement next-generation discovery workflows incorporating high throughput and in silico methods for AstraZeneca drug projects.
• Maximize individual talents and develop high-performing teams by role modeling and leading by example.
• Build trusted relationships within and outside our organization.
• Translate technical innovation into biological medicines and impact for patients.
• Work within a first-class biologics R&D environment to support medicine creation across all of AstraZeneca’s Therapeutic Areas.
• Develop and maintain a high level of science and technology knowledge and continue to build world-leading specialist expertise in biologics design and technology.

Essential Skills/Experience

• BS in a scientific (biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.), engineering (chemical, mechanical, etc.), or computational (computer science, etc.)with 8+ years relevant experience or MS in a scientific (biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.), engineering (chemical, mechanical, etc.), or computational (computer science, etc.) with 6+ years relevant experience or PhD with 4+ years relevant experience in a scientific (biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.), engineering (chemical, mechanical, etc.), or computational (computer science, etc.) discipline.    
• Proven experience in leading technical delivery and line management within an automation team, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Strong technical expertise in laboratory automation, robotics, and related technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement in technical delivery processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience in workflow, process, and method development related to next-generation biologics workflows and automation
• Demonstrable experience in applying automation to biologics discovery projects
• Track record of promoting, motivating, and empowering others to accomplish individual, team, and organizational objectives
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience in implementing change management initiatives and engaging organizations in new ways of working
• Experience in complex project management and delivery

AstraZeneca empowers its employees to act fast on smart risks. In the fast-paced Oncology field, you will be empowered at every level to prioritize and make bold moves. This environment fosters fearless decision-makers who speak up and constructively challenge, always following scientific evidence to act on smart risks. With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with new and novel drugs and help discover what's next.

About Our Gaithersburg Oncology Hub

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland facility creates life-changing medicines for people around the world. This campus employs more than 3,500 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC. This modern and vibrant scientific campus is the home of R&D and Oncology in the US. Here, we play host to some of the most cutting-edge technology and lab spaces, all designed to inspire collaboration and cross-functional science. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

The Gaithersburg site offers a variety of amenities to help keep our employees happy and healthy. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, dry cleaning, full-service cafeteria and copy center, game rooms, community garden and more. This is where you’ll find newly-designed, activity-based work spaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams.

So, what’s next?

Join us at AstraZeneca and make a meaningful difference for patients around the world!

If you’re curious to know more, please contact Bobbi Poole, our Talent Acquisition Partner.

Closing Date: November 28, 2024

Competitive remuneration and benefits apply

We offer a competitive Total Reward program including a market driven base salary, bonus and long term incentive. We have a generous paid time off program and a comprehensive benefits package.

Where can I find out more-

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en

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 follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $130,412 to $195,618 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.

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.