Associate Director, Injectable Drug Product Technology Transfer

AstraZeneca; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is seeking an Associate Director to lead development, characterization, technology transfer, and validation of sterile injectable drug products across biologics, peptides, nucleic acids, and small molecules. The role spans from early development to commercialization with responsibilities across vials, prefilled syringes, and cartridges.

You will collaborate with Process Development, QA, and Operations to design transfer strategies, supervise campaigns, and ensure regulatory

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS with extensive biopharmaceutical drug product development and manufacturing experience.
• Proven leadership in injectable product development and tech transfer.
• Deep knowledge of sterile manufacturing processes and single-use systems.
• Strong understanding of GMP regulations, process validation, and regulatory submissions.
• Experience mentoring staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Proficient with electronic quality systems (e.g., TrackWise) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel ~25% (domestic and international).

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams for technology transfers to GMP manufacturing sites.
• Develop phase-appropriate tech transfer and process validation strategies.
• Oversee unit operations like sterile filling, lyophilization, and visual inspection.
• Provide technical SME input during campaigns, troubleshooting, and decision-making.
• Author/review batch records, validation protocols, changes, deviations, and regulatory filings.
• Monitor process data, drive investigations, and implement CAPAs.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in budgeting and strategy.
• Stay current with regulatory expectations and industry trends.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Engineering

MS in a related field

BS with 15+ years of experience

Tools

TrackWise

Job description

The Associate Director will lead the development, characterization, technology transfer, and validation of sterile injectable drug products across a range of modalities including biologics, peptides, nucleic acids, and synthetic molecules. This role spans early-phase development through commercialization and includes responsibility for liquid and lyophilized formulations in vials, prefilled syringes, and cartridges. The successful candidate will serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME), providing strategic and hands-on leadership in process development, scale-up, manufacturing support, and regulatory submissions.

You will be responsible for:

• Lead cross-functional teams in the design, execution, and oversight of injectable drug product technology transfers to internal and external GMP manufacturing sites.
• Develop and implement robust, phase-appropriate technology transfer and process validation strategies, including risk assessments, FMEAs, and control strategies.
• Oversee development and optimization of drug product unit operations such as freeze/thaw, mixing, sterile filtration, aseptic filling, lyophilization, stoppering, sealing, and visual inspection.
• Serve as the technical lead during manufacturing campaigns, providing on-site support, troubleshooting, and decision-making in collaboration with Process Development, QA, and Operations.
• Author and review technical documentation including batch records, validation protocols, change controls, deviations, and regulatory filings (IND, IMPD, BLA, MAA).
• Monitor and trend process performance data; lead investigations and implement CAPAs as needed.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on timelines, deliverables, and technical strategy.
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of technology transfer and manufacturing support processes.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory expectations, and emerging technologies in injectable drug product development.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to resource planning, budgeting, and departmental strategy.
• Travel domestically and internationally (~25%) to support manufacturing site activities.

You will need to have:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Engineering with 8+ years of experience; M.S. with 12+ years; or B.S. with 15+ years in biopharmaceutical drug product development and manufacturing.
• Proven leadership in injectable drug product development and technology transfer, including experience with biologics and complex modalities.
• Deep technical knowledge of sterile manufacturing processes and equipment, including single-use systems.
• Strong understanding of GMP regulations, process validation, and regulatory submission requirements and supporting regulatory inspections as a technical SME.
• Experience managing or mentoring technical staff and leading cross-functional project teams in direct or matrix teams through late-phase development and commercial product launches.
• Proficiency with electronic quality systems (e.g., TrackWise) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in GMP environments and travel as needed for manufacturing support.
• Prior work with CDMOs and global manufacturing networks.
• Familiarity with protein formulation, stability, and analytical methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement training

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.