Associate Director, Biosampling Project Leader (Contract)

WHY JOIN US? At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. With an ambitious goal of delivering 20 new medicines by 2030, there is no better place to make a difference in medicine, for patients, and in society. Join us on this exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Our inclusive culture champions diversity and collaboration, and we are always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. As part of our team, you'll contribute to groundbreaking advancements that will shape a healthier future for people everywhere. Be a catalyst for change at AstraZeneca, where your work will have a real impact on improving people's lives. Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects. About the Opportunity: Are you ready to dive into the world of Human Biological Samples (HBS) and make a significant impact on medical research? As an Associate Director, Biosampling Project Leader, you'll play a crucial role in the discovery, development, and implementation of new treatments and diagnostics. Human Biological Samples are ethically sensitive materials, the backbone of every clinical trial. You'll oversee central laboratory and biobanking activities, ensuring operational input into clinical study protocols and efficient deployment of clinical laboratory testing. Your expertise will span all clinical trial activities and sampling-related tasks, making you a key player in R&D or Affiliate projects. This is a fixed-term contract with an approximate end date of September 15th 2027. Accountabilities: Accountable for sponsor oversight of central laboratory activities within clinical studies using best practice project management and communication skills. Oversee compliance of the clinical study sample lifecycle, delegating responsibilities to the Biosample project manager, Clinical Sample Scientist, study team, and science functions. Provide operational contribution to the inclusion of laboratory testing of human biological specimens into clinical programs and trials. Ensure accuracy and purpose-fit of laboratory components within planning operational delivery documents. Deploy project sampling strategy and communicate lessons learned across programs to study-level personnel. Oversee delivery of laboratory services and data from external providers to understand and mitigate risks. Act as the first point of escalation for biosampling issues, bringing expertise to resolve problems. Provide business oversight of external laboratory budgets. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current sample management and analysis techniques and regulations. Contribute to clinical laboratory training & education and maintenance of relevant SOPs, guidelines, and templates. Facilitate compliant future use sampling requests within the project. Contribute to the development of new processes and deployment of automation technologies. Validate and assess technologies that can transform end-to-end BioSample processes. Prepare and manipulate BioSample data to make informed business decisions. Develop, maintain, and apply ongoing knowledge in trends, best practices, and innovation in BioSample data/technologies. Essential Skills and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, or equivalent industry experience. Extensive knowledge and experience with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations, ensuring all clinical activities comply with ethical and quality standards. High ethical standards, including a willingness to challenge inappropriate proposals/actions. Demonstrated expertise in operational deployment of clinical laboratory testing with Human Biological Samples. Proven track record of managing external partners, particularly clinical laboratory service providers. Experience in management of complex projects. Experience working globally. Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills; fluent in English. Strong collaborative abilities and decision-making skills. A clear demonstration of behaviors such as truth-seeking rather than success-seeking, agile responsiveness to scientific data, embracing peer review, being agnostic to internal-external sourcing, problem-solving, and leadership. SO, WHAT’S NEXT? To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them. Great People want to Work with us! Find out why: GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years Top 100 Employers Award Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture Learn more about working with us in Canada View our YouTube channel Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today! AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com . #LI-Hybrid Annual base salary for this position ranges from $138,801.60 to $182,250. AstraZeneca is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The range provided in this posting represents an offer pay range used in a majority of situations. The base pay offered will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, and other specific business and organizational needs. In some cases, offers outside the range may also be considered to address unique circumstances. In addition, our permanent positions offer an annual Variable Pay Bonus/Short Term Incentive opportunity as well as eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (if applicable to role). Benefits offered for permanent roles include a competitive Flex Benefits & Retirement Savings Program, 4 weeks’ paid vacation, and annual Personal Days. Fixed Term Contract/Temporary positions (excluding students) are offered a Contract Benefits Program. We are using AI as part of the recruitment process. This advertisement relates to a current vacancy. Date Posted 13-Jan-2026 Closing Date 22-Jan-2026 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.