Associate Director, Analytical Technology

AstraZeneca; Chennai; Hybrid; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking an Associate Director of Analytical Technology in Chennai, India. The role focuses on pioneering analytics, AI-enabled tools, and technology transfers across biologics and ADCs to accelerate and secure manufacturing readiness.

You will lead emerging technologies, implement PAT, and drive digital knowledge management while collaborating across Product Stewardship, Manufacturing Sciences, Technical Transfer, Operations, and Development.

Qualifications

• PhD, MS, or equivalent in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
• Extensive experience with biologics, proteins, vaccines, or ADCs.
• Strong knowledge of analytical lifecycle management and tech transfer.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with commercialization and lifecycle management activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and implementation of next-gen analytical technologies.
• Assess tech transfer and lifecycle management applicability.
• Identify and implement PAT to improve process understanding.
• Build AI-assisted tools for knowledge retrieval and risk assessment.
• Drive transformation projects to simplify operations and value.
• Provide analytical readiness and risk assessments across portfolios.
• Benchmark industry practices and drive cross-functional adoption.

Skills

Biologics experience

Analytical lifecycle management

Tech transfer

Cross-functional leadership

Commercial manufacturing support

Validation

AI-enabled tools

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

MS in related field

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director, Analytical Technology

GCL : E

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to harness pioneering analytics and AI to speed medicines to patients while strengthening product quality and reliability? This role puts you at the center of shaping future analytical capabilities across biologics and ADCs—simplifying operations, elevating scientific decision-making, and enabling confident, faster technology transfers. You will act as a catalyst for innovation, turning emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools into practical solutions that improve readiness for manufacturing and strengthen control strategies across the product lifecycle.

You will lead the assessment and adoption of new analytical methods, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), and AI-enabled solutions that underpin Operations 2030 ambitions. Could you connect real-world manufacturing challenges with imaginative, compliant solutions that deliver measurable value—for example, enabling Real-Time Release Testing where justified or deploying AI tools that streamline analytical knowledge management?

Accountabilities

• Analytical Innovation and Emerging Technologies: Lead evaluation and implementation of next-generation analytical technologies, rapid methods, and novel potency approaches to streamline control strategies while safeguarding product quality and patient safety.
• Lifecycle and Technology Transfer Enablement: Assess applicability of emerging methodologies for technology transfer, commercialization, lifecycle management, comparability assessments, and post-approval changes to reduce timelines and variability.
• Process Analytical Technology (PAT): Identify and implement at-line, online, inline, and rapid analytical technologies to improve process understanding and control; develop enhanced control strategies and evaluate opportunities for Real-Time Release Testing.
• AI-Enabled Solutions: Build and deploy AI-assisted tools for knowledge retrieval, technical authoring, risk assessment, and decision support; establish scalable capabilities in partnership with Digital teams to drive consistency and productivity.
• Operations 2030 Transformation: Lead simplification and standardization initiatives that reduce complexity and accelerate technology transfer; define metrics that demonstrate value delivered by innovation, PAT, and AI-enabled solutions.
• Product Stewardship and Lifecycle Support: Provide technical leadership for analytical readiness assessments, risk assessments, comparability strategies, control strategy optimization, and long-term capability planning across the portfolio.
• Change Leadership and Collaboration: Benchmark industry practices and regulatory trends, develop business cases for innovation, and drive adoption through cross-functional partnerships spanning Product Stewardship, Manufacturing Sciences, Technical Transfer, Operations, and Development.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent) in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific subject area.
• Significant experience supporting biologics, proteins, vaccines, or ADC products.
• Deep understanding of analytical lifecycle management, technology transfer, validation, control strategies, and commercial manufacturing support.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive organizational change.
• Experience supporting commercialization and lifecycle management activities.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience with Process Analytical Technology (PAT).
• Experience evaluating and implementing innovative analytical technologies.
• Understanding of Real-Time Release Testing (RTRT) and advanced control strategies.
• Experience utilizing AI-enabled solutions in scientific or technical environments.
• Knowledge of emerging analytical and biopharmaceutical industry trends.

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, your expertise has tangible impact—translating a complex, science-led pipeline into reliable supply for larger patient populations. You will collaborate with diverse experts, leverage advanced digital and automation capabilities, and contribute to ambitious goals such as decarbonizing operations and evolving toward Smart Factory practices. We value curiosity and ownership alongside kindness, giving you the space to lead, learn, and experiment while building a long-term global career with exposure to multifaceted challenges and real opportunities to shape how medicines are made.

Date Posted

06-Nov-2026

Closing Date

19-Nov-2026

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.