Associate Director, Diagnostics and Laboratory Science

Location: Cambridge

Salary: competitive

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to harness computational pathology and AI to move diagnostics from code to clinic Do you want your work to directly shape how patients are diagnosed and treated This role leads the scientific and technical integration of computational pathology and AI-enabled diagnostics into accredited laboratories turning cutting-edge algorithms into validated tools that influence real clinical decisions.

You will partner across research clinical regulatory and lab operations to design fit-for-purpose studies set rigorous acceptance criteria and deliver analytical validation that stands up to regulatory scrutiny. Your leadership will ensure compliance reproducibility and documentation excellence while your scientific curiosity drives new proposals in computational pathology and multimodal diagnostics that accelerate our pipeline and impact patient outcomes.

Accountabilities:

Developing and leading AI-based computational pathology diagnostic and integration within the AZ accredited labs partnering across the organisation to ensure computational pathology diagnostics are accurately validated.

Leading the scientific and technical diligence of AI-enabled diagnostic solutions for the clinical portfolio.

Delivering innovative scientific proposals across core diagnostic areas spanning computational pathology and multimodal diagnostics.

Define fit-for-purpose study designs and acceptance criteria; lead analytical validation plans for AI algorithms to meet regulatory requirements; for example in accordance with CAP/CLIA GCP and applicable IVD/Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) within our accredited labs.

Maintain expert awareness of advances in computational pathology including for example foundation models multimodal AI spatial biology and evolving regulatory policy; evaluate and pilot new technologies with clear success criteria and build productive external collaborations and vendor relationships.

Provide technical mentorship and matrix leadership with a focus on compliance reproducibility documentation excellence and patient impact.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Masters/PhD or equivalent experiencein a relevant field (e.g. Computational Pathology Biomedical Engineering Computer Science Data Science Bioinformatics).

• Hands-on experience deploying AI/computational diagnosticsin regulated environments (e.g. CAP/CLIA in alignment with IVD/SaMD expectations)

• Deep expertise in digital pathology and image analysis(e.g. whole-slide imaging IHC/IF quantitation tissue segmentation cell phenotyping computational biomarkers) and practical ML/AI model development and validation.

• Proven track record of validation and operationalizationof AI diagnostic tools including data pipeline design MLOps in clinical settings performance monitoring bias/robustness assessment and post-deployment lifecycle management.

• Ability to lead complex cross-functional projectsand to collaborate with laboratory operations pathologists data/AI teams and external diagnostic partners.

• Clear communication and stakeholder influencingwith balanced objective decision-making

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience with regulatory interactions for AI/ML-enabled diagnostics or software (e.g. FDA EMA MHRA) and familiarity with Good Machine Learning Practice and SaMD guidance.

• Experience in oncology precision medicine and companion diagnostic co-development

• Expertise with multiplex protein technologies (e.g. immunofluorescence spatial omics proteomics) and integration of computational readouts with histopathology.

• Strong data engineering/MLOps skills (e.g. containerization CI/CD model registry audit trails) and familiarity with FAIR data principles privacy/security by design.

• Board-certification in Anatomic Pathology (or equivalent) or substantial experience partnering with board-certified pathologists in clinical deployment.

• Track record of external collaborations with diagnostic companies academic labs CROs and platform vendors

When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to

inspire life-changing -person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge

perceptions. Thats why we work on average a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that

doesnt mean were 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 mission-driven science meets real-world impact. You will work in an environment that fuses academic rigor with industry pace where diverse minds collaborate to solve complex problems and move breakthroughs toward patients. Expect access to cutting-edge technology a bold pipeline with multiple indications and a global network of collaborations spanning dozens of countries and leading medical centers. We value kindness alongside ambition empower leaders at every level and back smart risk-taking with the support needed to turn promising ideas into validated solutions.

So whats next

Complete your application before the below closing date.

We welcome your application no later than 11th January 2026

Where can I find out more

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Closing Date