Associate Director, Biologics Production

Multispecifics are redefining whats possible in biologics. Were building a highthroughput automationfirst production engine that delivers complex antibodies faster at higher quality and at scale and were looking for a proven leader to take it to the next level.

As Associate Director Biologics Production (Expression & Purification) you will lead a team responsible for endtoend expression and purification of multispecific antibodies and complex biologics (typically >100 mL lab scale with pathways to multiliter). Youll combine scientific depth with platform thinking automation/robotics integration and clear operational execution to compress DNAtodata timelines for programs across AstraZeneca.

What youll lead:

Production & Process Development

• Own the sequencetomaterial pipeline for multispecifics and complex biologics: transient transfection (primarily CHO) harvest/clarification capture polish and QCready delivery.
• Design and direct platform strategies that solve multispecificspecific challenges (e.g. chain mispairing aggregation control aviditybased separations).
• Build scalable purification flowsheets (Protein A/Fc alternatives kappa/lambda selection IEX/mixedmode SEC) and drive DoEbased optimization to lift yield purity and robustness.
• Closely align with Protein Engineering & Novel Modalities (PENM) on strategy planning and prioritization to accelerate project delivery.

Automation & Digital Transformation

• Spearhead highthroughput operations using integrated automation and orchestration.
• Liquid handling systems such as Hamilton (e.g. Microlab STAR/Vantage) for upstream sample prep titrations and parallel minipurifications.
• Robotics scheduling/orchestration using Green Button Go Scheduler or similar systems to coordinate liquid handlers incubators plate readers and chromatography queues.
• Seamless handoffs into chromatography (e.g. ÄKTA Pure/Avant; rapid cycles with Fibro PrismA) and analytical stations (SECHPLC/UPLC CESDS).
• Champion digitalization by enforcing data integrity through Genedata Biologics and ELN standardizing workflows and SOPs and integrating telemetry and metrics (including lead times yield monomer percentage and endotoxin levels) into real-time dashboards.
• Set up and optimize requesting systems and digital workflows to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• Drive continuous cycletime reductions through automation scripts method libraries and scheduler templates; partner with Engineering/Automation to extend capabilities over time.

Technical Leadership

• Provide deep benchtoplatform guidance across construct inputs (tags/geometries) culture conditions clarification approaches and purification schemes tailored to bispecifics tri and tetraspecific formats.
• Elevate inprocess controls and releaseforuse criteria in partnership with Analytics & Developability (e.g. SEC CESDS HCP/endotoxin panels) ensuring materials are fit for decisionmaking in discovery and lead optimization.
• Establish robust troubleshooting playbooks (e.g. mispair diagnostics mixedmode polishing rescue rapid reprep) to keep delivery on track.

Team Development & Strategy

• Recruit develop and empower a highperforming team of scientists and engineers; set objectives coach careers and nurture a culture of safety quality innovation and continuous improvement.
• Define the 312 month roadmap for throughput automation and quality aligning capacity to portfolio demand and clarifying makevsbuy triggers with preferred partners.
• Demonstrate Manager-in-Action behaviours as a role model; ensure proactive SHE ownership within the laboratories.

CrossFunctional Impact

• Serve as a strategic partner to Protein Engineering & Novel Modalities (PENM) Assays/Profiling & Pharmacology (APP) PS&A Analytics & Developability Therapeutic Areas and maintain close alignment with the Biologics Engineering organization in the UK.
• Collaborate with BPD Purification Process Sciences for scaleup readiness and with senior leadership on budgets resin strategies consumables and instrumentation planning.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry Bio/Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 36 years in biologics production/purification within biotech/pharma including leadership of teams delivering complex antibody modalities (multispecifics strongly preferred).
• Deep command of mammalian expression (transient CHO/HEK) and downstream purification for complex formats.
• Handson with ÄKTA systems (method development operations) HPLC/UPLC CESDS and related analytics.
• Proven experience deploying liquid handling platforms (e.g. Hamilton) and robotics orchestration (e.g. Green Button Go Scheduler); familiarity with scheduler logic error handling and lab integration.
• Working knowledge of Genedata Biologics ELN and strong data integrity instincts.
• Track record building platform workflows raising throughput and shortening DNAtomaterial lead times via automation and process rigor.
• Excellent stakeholder management and project leadership across matrixed discovery teams; clear concise scientific communication.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Exposure to mixedmode/novel resin strategies for mispair control; rapid capture (e.g. Fibro media) and clarification innovations.
• Basic scripting or data skills (e.g. Python/R) and comfort with APIs/integration concepts; experience with additional schedulers/LIMS a plus.
• Experience with externalization models and CRO/CMO coordination for elastic capacity.

Why AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca were dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Theres no better place to make a difference to medicine patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration and always committed to lifelong learning growth and development. Were on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So whats next

Are you already imagining yourself joining our team Good because we cant wait to hear from you!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $134892.80 - $202339.20 USD. 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 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.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and furtherance of that mission we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please complete the corresponding section in the application form.