Associate Director, Diagnostics and Laboratory Science

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global biopharmaceutical company in the UK is looking for a professional to lead AI-based computational pathology integration within accredited labs. You will develop AI diagnostics and ensure validation while collaborating across teams. Essential qualifications include a Master's/PhD in relevant fields and expertise in deploying AI in clinical settings. This job offers a competitive salary and the ability to impact patient outcomes meaningfully. Be a part of a team that inspires life-changing medicines!

Benefits

Access to cutting-edge technology

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience deploying AI/computational diagnostics in regulated environments.
• Deep expertise in digital pathology and image analysis.
• Proven track record of validation and operationalization of AI diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Developing and leading AI-based computational pathology diagnostic and integration.
• Leading the scientific and technical diligence of AI-enabled diagnostic solutions.
• Delivering innovative scientific proposals across core diagnostic areas.

Skills

Hands-on experience deploying AI/computational diagnostics

Deep expertise in digital pathology and image analysis

Proven track record of validation and operationalization of AI diagnostic tools

Ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects

Clear communication and stakeholder influencing

Education

Masters/PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field

Job description

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 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, 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, what’s 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?

Date Posted

23‑Dec‑2025

Closing Date

11‑Jan‑2026

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.