Associate Director, Analytical Operations

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Associate Director to lead our Analytical Operations and Logistics team. You will oversee comprehensive operational tasks that support our analytical processes, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and cross-departmental collaboration. This important role requires operational management skills, strategic vision, and the ability to bring complex projects to successful completion. The Associate Director will work with the Process Development and Quality Control teams. This role is based in Santa Monica, CA, and reports directly to the Director, Product Analytical Sciences.

What you will do:

• Manage strategic and technical expertise to an operations team.
• Lead and improve the strategic execution of sample management, tracking, and logistics operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all processes.
• Collaborate with Facilities to manage the use of lab spaces, aligning with operational and strategic goals.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory standards, supporting lab audits.
• Develop, implement, and analyze important performance metrics for method monitoring and turnaround times (TAT), improving projects across the department.
• Champion and implement projects, including the use of 5S principles and other lean management methodologies to improve workflows and enhance productivity.
• Direct the maintenance and calibration of all laboratory equipment, ensuring performance and compliance with industry standards.
• Oversee the maintenance, qualification, and availability of critical reagents, ensuring compliance with established standards.
• Partner with Technical Sciences to lead method investigations, ensuring thorough documentation, resolution, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience

• Minimum 7 years with BS/BA; 5+ years with MS/MA; 2+ years with PhD in Immunology, Oncology, Cell Biology, or related discipline
• Minimum 1 year of people management experience
• Demonstrate knowledge of Process Development of cellular therapy products and Analytical Method Development within a regulated environment
• Track record in managing analytical operations and logistics, with an understanding of laboratory management and regulatory requirements.
• Manage multiple high-level projects simultaneously, delivering on time and within scope.
• Experience with methodologies (e.g., 5S, Lean, Six Sigma) and continuous improvement projects.
• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and critical reagent management.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work an average 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.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $128,631 to $192,947. However, 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) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly 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 salary (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.

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.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.