Biocenter Scientist, DNA Lab Project Leader Full-time

Biocenter Scientist – DNA Laboratory Project Lead

At AstraZeneca, we are proud of our ground-breaking pipeline and continue to look for new ways to bring the best medicines to patients. We are building and fostering high-performing collaborative teams across the organization to help us deliver on our ambition. There's no better time to join our growing enterprise as we lead the way for patients, healthcare and broader society.

Human Biological Samples (HBS) are fundamental to medical research, supporting the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and diagnostics. These ethically sensitive materials underpin clinical research and must be managed with rigorous attention to quality, consent, traceability, and regulatory requirements.

The Biocenter Scientist – DNA Laboratory Project lead provides hands-on scientific and operational support for the receipt, processing, DNA extraction, quality assessment, storage, and distribution of HBS and derived DNA. The role ensures safe, consistent execution of approved manual and automated methods; maintains sample and data traceability through LIMS and related systems; and supports automation, process improvement, capacity planning, and business cases for new laboratory capabilities.

The role also supports laboratory equipment, digital systems, method and process improvements, training, and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver high-quality, traceable DNA samples and data for research and development.

Responsibilities include:

• Support high-throughput, on-site Biocenter and Biobank laboratory operations in a high-throughput environment handling tens of thousands of samples annually.
• Receive, register, process, and reconcile HBS using approved biosafety and traceability practices.
• Extract, assess, normalize, aliquot, store, and distribute DNA using approved manual and automated methods.
• Maintain sample identity, chain of custody, data integrity, and complete records in LIMS and related systems.
• Operate, maintain, qualify, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and automated platforms.
• Monitor workflow capacity, reagents, controls, consumables, and priorities to maintain and meet agreed delivery priorities.
• Follow SOPs, biosafety, GCP, consent, privacy, data-integrity, and biospecimen-governance requirements.
• Document and support deviations, investigations, corrective actions, controlled changes, audits, and continuity activities.
• Partner with IT, automation, engineering, and digital teams to integrate equipment and laboratory systems.
• Improve methods, workflows, automation, quality, capacity, turnaround time, and cost.
• Deliver training, competency assessment, and procedural documentation.
• Develop evidence-based business cases for laboratory equipment, automation, digital capabilities, and process investments, including user requirements, benefits, risks, capacity impact, and cost considerations.
• Collaborate with global teams, quality functions, stakeholders, and vendors to resolve issues and drive improvement.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in molecular biology or related discipline, or equivalent experience. Minimum of five years' experience in a laboratory setting, with extensive knowledge of scientific experimentation, emerging scientific and technology trends, and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on experience in DNA extraction, quantification, quality assessment, aliquoting, and storage.
• Experience handling human biological samples in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
• Knowledge of molecular biology, biosafety, contamination control, and good documentation practices.
• Ability to follow controlled procedures, maintain accurate records, and resolve or escalate laboratory issues.
• Experience with LIMS, sample inventory systems, electronic records, and large sample datasets.
• Proficiency in DNA quality-control testing using Agilent TapeStation or comparable electrophoretic methods, Qubit or comparable fluorometric methods, and NanoDrop or comparable spectrophotometric methods.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a delivery-focused environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and review large sample and analytical datasets, reconcile discrepancies, and maintain data integrity.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology techniques, biosafety, blood-borne pathogen controls, contamination prevention, and good documentation practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail, a meticulous working style, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a delivery-focused environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across scientific and operational teams.

Desirable:

• Experience with high-throughput DNA extraction, biobanking, or large-scale sample operations.
• Experience with DNA analysis platforms such as spectrophotometric, fluorometric, electrophoretic, or PCR-based methods.
• Knowledge of GxP principles, ISO-aligned quality systems, CAP/CLIA environments, or equivalent regulated laboratory standards, as applicable.
• Experience supporting method validation or verification, equipment qualification, laboratory investigations, and controlled change.
• Knowledge of human sample consent, privacy, data integrity, and biospecimen governance requirements.
• Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement approaches.
• Experience developing or contributing to business cases for laboratory equipment, automation, digital capability, or process investments.
• Experience integrating automated laboratory equipment, barcoding, analytical outputs, or sample workflows with LIMS or wider laboratory informatics infrastructure.
• Experience supporting vendor selection, user-requirement definition, acceptance testing, preventive maintenance, and equipment lifecycle management.

Why this role: This is a rare opportunity to define a first-of-its-kind capability at the intersection of oncology, marketing & sales, and AI, with high visibility across US Oncology leadership and the broader enterprise. You will shape how more than 1,000 colleagues engage customers, and help bring our ground-breaking medicines to patients faster.

What you can expect: great working atmosphere empowering you to reach your full potential, endless development opportunities and benefits like: medical & life insurance, annual bonus, education cost reimbursement, occasional allowances (Christmas, holiday), anniversary awards, additional time off, pension plan, business travel insurance, recognition program, flexible working hours.

Why AstraZeneca? At AstraZeneca you will be valued. Not only for your unique contribution, skills and background, but because we recognize people are our greatest asset. Here we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Thrive in an energizing environment where challenging work goes hand in hand with development. With opportunities, recognition and bright minds, there's no better place to unlock learning and build a long-term career. Most importantly, we do meaningful work that changes lives. It's our purpose that drives us, every day.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $142,377.60 – 213,566.40 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.

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.