Director, Translational Pathology Cancer Biomarker Development

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

We are seeking an MD Anatomical Pathologist to lead the implementation of biomarker strategies and provide pathology expertise for our early oncology research and development team within the Cancer Biomarker Development group. Our pathology team plays a crucial role in supporting AstraZeneca’s translational medicine strategy for an innovative early oncology pipeline that includes Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Radio-conjugates, T-cell engagers, CAR-T therapies, bispecific antibodies, and small molecules. 

In this role, based in Gaithersburg, MD, you will collaborate with a diverse team of pathologists, image analysts, bioinformaticians, translational scientists, biologists, and oncologists. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute to the development of new biomarkers, enabling indication selection, early assessment of biological activity, and optimal patient stratification. Your efforts will significantly enhance the probability of success for AstraZeneca's oncology pipeline. 

Responsibilities: 

• Support the design and implementation of tissue-based biomarker strategies for early and late oncology assets, spanning Ph1 to Ph3 clinical studies. 

• Lead the design, development, and validation of immunohistochemistry and multiplex assays, including the creation of robust scoring/quantitation methods. 

• Deliver target expression data to inform indication selection and identify optimal patient populations. 

• Facilitate informed biomarker selection by applying knowledge of the mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the therapeutic agents. 

• Assist in the development of Clinical Trial Prototype IHC assays and Companion Diagnostics (CDxs) in collaboration with diagnostic companies and CROs. 

• Contribute advanced knowledge in cancer diagnosis and classification to the design of clinical study protocols, laboratory manuals, and various regulatory documents. 

• Provide histopathological guidance to Computational Pathology, Translational Proteomics, Genomics, Discovery, and other Early Oncology teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality and robust data across the asset portfolio. 

Essential requirements:  

• M.D. from an accredited medical university and board certification in anatomical pathology by a world-recognized examination board. 

• >7 years of experience in biopharmaceutical and/or academic settings, including at least 3 years of experience in translational research and oncology biomarker analysis. A strong publication record is highly desirable. 

• Diagnostic experience over a wide range of organs and disease entities. 

• Effective time management and prioritization for various tasks across multiple projects at different stages. 

• Excellent communication skills and strong collaboration skills to cooperate with experts from various technical and scientific backgrounds. 

• Team player, who enjoys working in an international team. 

Additional qualifications (non-essential):  

• Strong knowledge/experience in tumor biology and oncology therapy landscape. 

• Strong knowledge in drug development, digital image analysis, CDx development (from target identification to post-marketing approval), and immunohistochemistry assay optimization. 

• Experience in spatial analytics, multiplex IHC technologies, and AI-assisted image analysis. 

• Experience in the analysis of preclinical models (cell lines, xenografts), and orthogonal methods of target expression measurement (proteomics, FACS, RNA sequencing). 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from 241613.6 - 362420.4 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.