Associate Director, Diagnostics and Laboratory Science

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Hartford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in the UK is seeking an experienced professional to lead the integration of computational pathology and AI in diagnostics. The role involves ensuring the validation of AI-based tools, designing regulatory-compliant studies, and collaborating across various teams to enhance patient outcomes. Ideal candidates hold a Masters or PhD in a relevant field and possess strong skills in data analysis and clear communication. This position offers a balance of in-office collaboration and individual flexibility.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Flexible work arrangements

Access to cutting-edge technology

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead AI-based diagnostic integration.
• Deliver innovative proposals across diagnostic areas.
• Define study designs and acceptance criteria for AI algorithms.

Skills

AI/computational diagnostics

Digital pathology and image analysis

ML/AI model development

Clear communication

Education

Masters/PhD in Computational Pathology or related field

Tools

Data pipelines

Containerization tools

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

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.

Qualifications

• Masters/PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Computational Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics).
• Hands-on experience deploying AI/computational diagnostics in 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 operationalization of 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 projects and to collaborate with laboratory operations, pathologists, data/AI teams, and external diagnostic partners.
• Clear communication and stakeholder influencing with 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.