Senior Scientist - Diagnostic Deployment

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead diagnostic assay optimisation at their Cambridge campus. The role involves developing and validating cutting-edge diagnostics with a focus on IHC and scientific collaboration. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree, strong skills in regulatory compliance, and a passion for early-stage cancer research. This position offers competitive compensation and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent Employee Benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or related field (MSc or equivalent experience).
• Deep expertise in IHC assay development, optimisation, and validation within a regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience with digital pathology and an interest in deploying computational pathology solutions.
• Hands-on experience performing diagnostic testing, including prospective clinical trial workflows and sample handling.
• Knowledge of quality systems and accreditation standards and corresponding documentation practices.
• Strong data integrity and documentation skills, with proficiency in writing validation protocols/reports and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and analytical validation of tissue and molecular diagnostics with a focus on IHC and digital pathology.
• Oversee prospective clinical testing to maintain sample integrity and ensure protocol compliance.
• Maintain audit readiness: write SOPs, manage inventory, and resolve deviations.
• Translate clinical and regulatory needs into validation plans; communicate risks and mitigations.
• Assess new technologies and plan deployment, define validation strategies, and set training.

Skills

IHC assay development

Digital pathology

Diagnostic testing

Data integrity

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or related field

Job description

Job Title: Senior Scientist – Diagnostic Deployment
Location: Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Employee Benefits

Introduction to the Role:
Precision Diagnostics Development (PDD) within AstraZeneca focuses on matching medicines to those patients who will benefit most and delivering companion or complementary diagnostic assays aligned to drug development to enable personalised healthcare within our clinical portfolio. Make a big impact. Be part of the team that will eliminate cancer as a cause of death. Join a dedicated Oncology community that’s growing fast and building a strong track record of success. Our groundbreaking approach identifies and treats patients earlier, focusing on early-stage cancer trials and evolving based on patient needs.

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to support diagnostic assay optimisation, deployment, analytical validation, and high‑quality laboratory delivery within our accredited diagnostic laboratory at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The role centres on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and digital/computational pathology and includes building innovative diagnostic deployment strategies for prospective clinical testing.

You will develop, optimise, validate, and operationalise cutting‑edge diagnostics including IHC, digital/ computational pathology and molecular assays. You will ensure regulatory‑compliant workflows (e.g., IVDR, ISO15189, ISO13485, CAP/CLIA) to support the AZ portfolio and diagnostic delivery. Working in matrix teams across AstraZeneca and with external laboratories and partners, you will ensure assay performance, timely reporting, and continuous improvement of processes and technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and analytical validation of tissue and molecular diagnostics, with a focus on IHC and digital pathology.
• Oversee prospective clinical testing end to end: maintain sample integrity, meet turnaround targets, ensure protocol compliance, and produce clear data and reports.
• Keep operations audit‑ready: write and follow SOPs, qualify and maintain equipment, run reagent QC, manage inventory, and resolve deviations/CAPA.
• Translate clinical and regulatory needs into validation plans; communicate decisions, risks, and mitigations.
• Assess new technologies and plan deployment: evaluate feasibility, define validation strategies, integrate into workflows, set training, and deliver to agreed timelines.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or related field (MSc or equivalent experience).
• Deep expertise in IHC assay development, optimisation, and validation within a regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience with digital pathology (slide scanning, image QC) and an interest in deploying cutting‑edge computational pathology solutions.
• Hands‑on experience performing diagnostic testing, including prospective clinical trial workflows and sample handling.
• Knowledge of quality systems and accreditation standards (e.g., IVDR, ISO 15189, ISO 13485, CAP/CLIA) and corresponding documentation practices.
• Strong data integrity and documentation skills, with proficiency in writing validation protocols/reports and SOPs.
• Ability to work in matrix teams, communicate clearly, and influence stakeholders while maintaining balanced, objective views.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with algorithm evaluation/validation for image analysis and quantitative IHC scoring.
• Familiarity with oncology precision medicine and companion diagnostic development.
• Experience with assay tech transfer to external labs and interaction with IVD regulatory authorities or auditors.
• Prior work in CAP/CLIA or NHS diagnostic laboratories; experience with assay development under IVDR.
• HCPC registration or equivalent.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca each and every one of us is bold in the belief that science should be at the centre of everything we do. Science can change the way we see the world and how we can impact the diseases that impact us. Science compels us to bush the boundaries of what is possible. We trust in the potential of ideas and pursue them, alone and with others, until we have transformed the treatment of disease. AstraZeneca is a place where free thinking and creativity fuel our determination to make a difference to people's lives through science. To question. To challenge. To search. To deliver.

Our team thrives in a supportive atmosphere, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art resources that empower professionals to celebrate both their triumphs and setbacks. With us, you will not only impact the future of medicine but also enjoy competitive compensation, benefits, and robust career development opportunities. Join us on this exciting journey to make a meaningful impact in the world.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to help eliminate cancer as a cause of death? Apply online before December 03. We’re keen to hear from you.

Where can I find out more?

Search “AstraZeneca Careers” on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about our culture and opportunities.

Date Posted

19-Nov-2025

Closing Date

02-Dec-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. 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.