Biocenter Services Lead

Job Title: Biocenter Services Lead

Location: Gaithersburg

Introduction to role

AstraZeneca ‘s industry leading Biocentre will house up to 20 million Human Biological Samples to accelerate science and delivery for patients. The Biocentre will be a state-of-the-art, automated, digitally connected global hub for our Human Biological Samples (HBS). Human Biological Samples (HBS) are fundamental to medical research in discovering, developing, and implementing new treatments and diagnostics. HBS are ethically sensitive materials and underpin the delivery of every clinical trial.

The Biocenter Services Lead plays a critical role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Biocenter. This role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to run operations at the Biocenter, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and driving continuous process improvements.

Accountabilities

- Provide management and oversight of enabling/shared services roles at the Biocentre (incl. Facilities, Lab Operations, and Shipping/Receiving teams) to ensure the efficient, effective, and safe daily operations of the Biocentre.

- Provide strategic leadership for external vendors for biobanking (where applicable) in support of Biocentre operations (including automation equipment, maintenance, etc.).

- Work with Lab Supplies manager (Site Ops) to provide oversight for replenishing lab supplies/consumables stock at the Biocentre.

- Responsible for implementation, upgrade, and maintenance of systems, equipment, methods, and technologies for the Biocentre.

- Accountable for monitoring and managing the Biocentre inventory in alignment with global standards, ensuring samples are stored as required and samples are disposed of once end of retention periods are reached.

- Lead the local HBS user group, collaborating with researchers and stakeholders to ensure timely access to biospecimens for research projects.

- Provide oversight for any relocation of samples from vendors to the Biocentre and movement of samples between Biobank Network sites.

- Responsible for operational forecasting of planned activities.

- Design and implementation of future Biocentre services to meet the needs of scientists (e.g., DNA extraction, Tumour QC).

- Defined responsibilities in accordance with national legislation (e.g., HTA).

- Ensure up-to-date knowledge and experience with end-to-end biobanking activities to provide input and support when required.

- Provide expert guidance and advice and ensure work is performed in accordance with global standards e.g., SHE, SOPs, Good Clinical Practice, and legal requirements.

- Identify and manage day-to-day operational risks or issues at the biobank.

- Supervise, train, and mentor biobank scientists at the biobank.

- Work with Biobank Excellence Lead to implement new global biobank processes in the region, ensuring global alignment.

- Work with Biobank Excellence Lead to input into global biobank strategies, processes, and systems improvements, inputting into business cases when needed.

- Work with Biobank Excellence Lead to report on local Biobank performance metrics.

- Work with Biobank Excellence Lead to provide input and review of procedural documents and the Op Model Playbook.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Experience in Biobanking

• Experience in Project Management

• ISBER certifications

• Knowledge of Regulatory areas- FDA, CLIA, ISO

• GLP training

• Courses or workshops in strategic planning

• Communication and stakeholder management

• Vendor organizations

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience in Project Management

• Knowledge of Regulatory areas- FDA, CLIA, ISO

• Courses or workshops in strategic planning

• Excellent team working and networking skills with experience of interacting effectively across interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise.

• Excellent decision-making and communication skills, scientific judgment, and analytical skills

• Strong ability to work independently

• Willingness to take decisions and find solutions

• Fluent in English as the AstraZeneca working language

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment. Here all doors are open, and every voice is heard. From working side-by-side with academia to innovating with biotech, we are forever expanding our horizons. By sharing and increasing our knowledge we are empowered to be the best we can be and accelerate progress.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 172,672.00 - 259,008.00 USD Annual. 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.