Job title: Translational Science, Associate Director Location: Gaithersburg, MD.
Are you a visionary expert in translational science, with the ability to execute a successful strategy in accelerating the development of therapies for patients with immune-mediated diseases? If you are passionate about transforming the treatment of immune-mediated diseases and making a profound impact on patients' lives, then AstraZeneca might be the place for you! Our ambition is to build an extraordinary organization that accelerates the delivery of transformative therapies for patients with immune-mediated diseases. We are driven by courage, curiosity, and collaboration, making bold decisions driven by patient outcomes.
As a Translational Science Associate Director, you will be responsible for the implementation of translational and biomarker objectives for cellular, biologics, and small molecule therapies for immune-mediated diseases. Your focus will be on ensuring effective collaborations between research and development, establishing strong target-to-disease connections, differentiating AZ therapeutics, and driving translational understanding of clinical trial data. You will oversee translational study strategy and deliverables with CROs and collaborators to support new and ongoing clinical studies as well as to enable our life cycle management strategy and new program strategies as a global product team level translational lead. You will be recognized as an authority in translational science and work on complex therapeutic projects and scientific problems, providing solutions that are highly innovative.
Essential Skills/Experience:
• PhD or MD-PhD degree in a relevant field required. Degree or training in Immunology preferred.
• 3 or more years of industry or 5 yrs combined academic/industry experience in clinical development or translational science.
• Strong knowledge of the pathogenesis of immune mediated disease and the application of cellular, molecular technologies and models to drive program decisions,
• Prior experience in clinical biomarker strategy development and execution including human target validation, target engagement, and molecular differentiation.
• Significant experience managing CROs for translational studies and biomarkers for clinical trials.
• Detailed understanding of translational and clinical research methodology and biostatistics principles.
• Attention to detail, strive to generate high-quality work, and sense of passion and urgency to achieve team and program goals.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to and leading complex projects.
• Demonstrated track record in delivering results.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and strategic planning skills.
Desired Skills/Experience
• Experience in clinical biomarker development of T-cell therapy and/or other advanced therapeutic modalities in house or with CROs
• Experience in the authoring of relevant sections of regulatory documents.
• Understanding of the full drug development process, with experience across phases of therapeutic development and studies
• Understanding of FDA, EMA, MHRA and ICH GCP guidelines as they pertain to translational strategy.
At AstraZeneca, we are at the cutting-edge of science, rethinking the future of medicine. We work on ground-breaking medicine discovery and development from early to late stage, answering some of the most complex unmet patient needs. We are never complacent about scientific discovery and development. Here we are always pushing our productivity, searching for new knowledge, and the next breakthrough. We fully embrace a safe space, exercising our freedom to discover and share. You're supported by the team where setbacks are seen as learning opportunities. Join us and be a part of our journey in transforming lives with science!
Why AstraZeneca: Join a team with the funding, focus, and courage to push the frontiers of cancer medicine, from early-stage trials to registration, where translational scientists sit shoulder-to-shoulder with clinicians, discovery researchers, and diagnostic partners to move from signal to strategy at pace. We combine cutting-edge science and technology across multiple modalities with a clear ambition to change the trajectory of cancer, bringing together unexpected collaborators to turn complex data into decisive actions for patients. Here, you will be empowered to lead, supported to take smart risks, and valued for kindness alongside ambition as you help deliver new therapies to those who need them most.
If you are ready to lead translational strategy that shapes pivotal decisions and brings the next generation of B-cell therapies to patients faster, send us your CV and take the next step in your impact-driven career!
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $135,058.40 - 202,587.60 USD Annual Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted 09-Jul-2026 Closing Date 31-Jul-2026Our 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.