Pathology Director — Lead Precision Diagnostics

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Cambridge is seeking a Director of Pathology to provide medical leadership for pathology in an accredited laboratory supporting early-phase clinical studies and companion diagnostics development.

You will set direction, ensure validated, clinically meaningful assays, and influence governance while partnering with biomarker development teams across the portfolio. The role blends pathology, quality, and translational science with a focus on innovation and patient impact.

Qualifications

• Medical degree recognised by GMC and current UK licence to practice.
• Significant experience as consultant pathologist or equivalent senior role.
• Oversight of testing in accredited or regulated laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of CAP/CLIA, ISO 15189, GCP, IVDR, HTA and related standards.
• Ability to interpret pathology and biomarker data and integrate findings.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management across matrix teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide pathology oversight of assay performance, result review and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA, ISO 15189, GxP, IVDR and HTA requirements.
• Review, interpret and approve laboratory results and reports.
• Lead evaluation and approval of novel test methods for clinical use.
• Collaborate with QA/QC and leadership to evolve methods and staffing.
• Guide companion diagnostics strategy and clinical implementation planning.
• Drive innovation including digital pathology and image analysis.
• Provide medical oversight for prospective patient testing in studies.
• Represent the laboratory in governance forums and external interactions.

Skills

Medical degree (GMC)

Consultant pathologist

Medical/technical oversight

CAP/CLIA, ISO 15189, GCP, IVDR, HTA

Laboratory report interpretation

Biomarker data interpretation

Leadership and stakeholder management

Education

GMC Specialist Registration

FRCPath in Histopathology or equivalent

PhD/MD(Res) in pathology or related

Experience in companion diagnostic development

CAP Technical Supervisor / Laboratory Director experience

Digital pathology and image analysis familiarity

Experience with diagnostic platforms (PCR, NGS, etc.)

Job description

AstraZeneca in Cambridge is seeking a Director of Pathology to provide medical leadership for pathology in an accredited laboratory supporting early-phase clinical studies and companion diagnostics development.

You will set direction, ensure validated, clinically meaningful assays, and influence governance while partnering with biomarker development teams across the portfolio. The role blends pathology, quality, and translational science with a focus on innovation and patient impact.