Associate Director, Translational Medicine Lead

• PhD in a relevant biological science (hematology-oncology, immunology, oncology, molecular biology, or related field); postdoctoral and/or industry experience required.

• 0-3+ yrs experience with T-cell engaging bispecifics (e.g., CD3-targeting bispecifics, BiTEs) in an oncology/hematology development context

• Demonstrated experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in a hematology or oncology development context

• Experience contributing to early phase oncology clinical trials, including biomarker plan development, protocol input, and sample analysis; exposure to Phase 3 trial biomarker strategies a plus.

• Demonstrated expertise in biomarker technologies such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, molecular profiling, NGS, ctDNA, MRD assessment, cytokine/immune profiling, and other omics-based approaches as relevant to hematologic cancers

• Established knowledge of B-cell malignancy biology spanning leukemia (B-ALL, B-CLL) and lymphoma (NHL), including disease pathogenesis, standard-of-care landscape, and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance.

• In-depth understanding of immunology and the tumor microenvironment in B-cell cancers, with ability to apply this knowledge to translational strategy and biomarker design.

• Emerging understanding of the end-to-end clinical development process - from dose escalation through registration - and the strategic role of biomarkers at each stage.

• Ability to work independently and deliver translational programs with regular managerial support; demonstrates sound scientific judgment and prioritization without close oversight.

• Proven ability to operate effectively and demonstrate scientific leadership within cross-functional program teams in a matrixed pharma or biotech environment; understands the roles of Clinical, Ops, Project Management, and HBS Clinical functions in delivering translational work.

• Clearly presents and integrates scientific data across experiments to support a cohesive program narrative; able to articulate the implications of translational findings for Go/No-Go decisions with emerging clarity on risks and caveats.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills for internal stakeholders and emerging external scientific audiences; comfortable representing TM in cross-functional governance settings.

• Emerging awareness of broader AZ functions (Regulatory, Medical, Commercial) and how TM outputs interface with and inform those stakeholders.

• Experience with small molecule hematology therapeutics in B-cell malignancies (e.g., BTK inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors) and familiarity with combination treatment strategies.

• Exposure to cell therapy programs (CAR-T or other engineered cell therapies) in B-cell leukemia or lymphoma.

• Familiarity with Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) methodologies (flow cytometry and/or NGS-based) in leukemia or lymphoma clinical development.

• Experience integrating multi-omic biomarker data (flow cytometry, ctDNA, cytokine panels, transcriptomics) to support clinical decision-making across combination regimens.

• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for biomarker analytical validation and CDx development.

• Early experience mentoring junior scientists; interest in contributing to team capability development.

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. Why AstraZeneca:Here, scientific curiosity is backed by meaningful scale - an innovative pipeline across modalities, strong and sustained R&D investment, and a track record of bringing new oncology medicines to patients. You will collaborate with discovery researchers, clinicians and diagnostics experts who move fast, publish in leading journals and welcome bold ideas, all while staying grounded in patient need. We value kindness alongside ambition, empower scientists to lead at every level, and put unexpected teams in the same room to spark breakthroughs that can change the practice of medicine. Step into a role where your translational insight drives pivotal decisions - join us to shape biomarker strategy for B-cell cancers and accelerate therapies to patients who need them most. The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $142,377.60 - $213,566.40 USD Annual. 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.