Senior Director, Pathology Diagnostics - Global Oncology

AstraZeneca plc; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 248,000 - 372,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Gaithersburg, MD (US) or Barcelona hub seeks a Senior Director of Pathology Diagnostics to develop global scientific strategy for pathologic diagnosis, including digital and computational pathology and molecular pathology for oncology diagnostics worldwide.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance digital pathology platforms, generate real-world evidence, and lead medical education for the lab community, while championing AZ leadership at major conferences

Qualifications

• MD/DO or PhD with relevant oncology/pathology background.
• At least 5 years in medical affairs or global diagnostics with exposure to digital/pathology.
• Experience with clinical companion diagnostic development or regulatory considerations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop global medical plan for patient identification solutions in Oncology Diagnostics.
• Lead Scientific Advisory boards and diagnostics activities at scientific events.
• Champion leadership in digital and computational pathology across regions and forums.

Skills

Digital pathology

Computational pathology

Global diagnostics

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MD/DO or PhD

Tools

Digital pathology platforms

Job description

At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. We are focused on leading a revolution in oncology to redefine cancer care and address the unmet needs of patients around the world. We are following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities so that we can discover, develop and deliver life-changing treatments and increase the potential for cure.

The Oncology business is the fastest growing team within AstraZeneca and across the industry. Through our relentless quest for innovation, we have created one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry. We deliver on the promise of our pipeline through launch excellence, commercial effectiveness and maximizing the lifecycle.

The Senior Director of Pathology Diagnostics, Global Oncology Diagnostics is accountable for the development and execution of global scientific strategy related to pathologic diagnosis, including Digital and Computational Pathology and Molecular Pathology, for AstraZeneca oncology diagnostic solutions worldwide. This role supports the advancement and integration of digital and computational pathology methods to transform cancer diagnostics and leverage data-driven approaches for improved accuracy and reproducibility. This role supports the mission of AstraZeneca Oncology in four domains:

• Maximizing Global Biomarker Adoption and facilitating the development of local testing solutions through innovative digital and computational pathology platforms
• Generating Clinical Evidence in collaboration with Oncology Medical Affairs
• Developing Medical Education for the lab community to support the adoption of local testing with a strong focus on digital and computational pathology best practices
• Leading efforts for the generation of real-world data for Pathology diagnostic solutions harnessing digital and computational pathology analytics and technologies

What You'll Do

The Senior Director of Clinical Diagnostics will work closely with cross-functional partners, regions, and countries for coordination of all Oncology diagnostic activities. The role involves collaborating on the development of the global medical plan for patient identification solutions for AstraZeneca Oncology products and partnering with all relevant cross-functional collaborators to implement the Oncology Diagnostics medical strategy with an emphasis on digital and computational pathology platforms. The role also includes assisting in the development of KEE advocacy and KEE engagement plans in laboratory segments, leading Scientific Advisory boards and other diagnostics activities at scientific events including major Congresses and Forums. The Director will also be responsible for championing AstraZeneca’s leadership in digital and computational pathology at major scientific events and forums.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school, or holds a PhD
• 5 years of experience in medical affairs, global diagnostics, biopharmaceutical industry, and/or academia including experience or substantial exposure to digital and/or computational pathology

Preferred Qualifications

• MD with accredited pathology residency and fellowship in a clinical or molecular subspecialty
• Strong life sciences foundation (e.g., Molecular Biology, Pathology), with experience in clinical companion diagnostic development using digital and computational pathology methodologies
• Membership in relevant diagnostics professional societies
• Over 5 years of Medical Affairs experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO settings, including collaborations with integrated delivery networks, accountable care organizations, and payers
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including KEE, advocacy groups, and payers
• Familiarity with global regulatory organizations, guidelines, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and pharmaceutical product development, encompassing clinical operations, commercial, regulatory, and medical affairs aspects of companion diagnostics and digital/computational pathology
• Demonstrated scientific and medical judgment, problem-solving abilities, and a practical understanding of scientific methods and clinical applications in digital and computational pathology
• Proven success working collaboratively within matrixed, cross-functional teams

This position can be based at our Gaithersburg, MD campus (headquarters for the US Oncology and the global Oncology Business Unit), or our Barcelona, Spain hub. 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 bold world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can thrive by working with new drugs, digital approaches, and ever-changing environments. Our pioneering value-based agreements and Innovative Value Strategy solutions lead the way in the industry. We are driven by our determination to ensure the value of our medicines is realized. Our dynamic environment encourages creativity in designing strategies and innovative access solutions. We thrive on co-creation and draw on diverse perspectives to overcome challenges. Join us to be part of a team that is passionate about making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $247,786 - 371,679 USD. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

06-Oct-2026

Closing Date

19-Oct-2026

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.