Associate Director – Global Product Development

Do you want to shape the future of medicines—pioneering technical and scientific breakthroughs that transform patient lives? PT&D is where your passion for analytical science and your leadership ambitions converge. We are seeking an experienced, innovative Associate Director to lead and inspire a diverse team of 8 to 10 analytical scientists and professionals across the UK, Sweden, and the US.

In PT&D, our diverse and dedicated team is shaping the future of healthcare through our commitment to patient‑centric innovation, sustainability, and our continuous pursuit of delivering medicines to patients worldwide. Our essence is turning molecules into medicine and delivering the medicines that 200 million patients need.

As Associate Director, Analytical Development, you will combine deep analytical science expertise with digital and data‑driven leadership to modernize how analytical development is designed, executed, and scaled. You will lead an international team to apply advanced data analytics, digital tools, and emerging AI‑enabled approaches to accelerate analytical development, strengthen control strategies, and enhance scientific and business decision‑making.

You will be accountable for line management, career development, and scientific leadership, with overall responsibility for analytical strategy and delivery across clinical and commercial projects. In parallel, you will shape and modernize operational models, driving strategic initiatives aligned with PT&D Ambition 2030 to advance analytical science, operational excellence, and patient impact.

Through your leadership, you will empower colleagues, foster innovation, and uphold high standards across analytical development and laboratory operations. You will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, influencing drug development programs, and contributing to AstraZeneca’s ambition to deliver impactful medicines across all therapeutic areas.

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing team of 8–10 analytical scientists, building strong cohesion and engagement across the UK, Sweden, and the US through effective line management, coaching, and career development.
• Set clear scientific and strategic direction for the team, creating an environment where data‑driven thinking, digital tools, and emerging AI‑enabled approaches are actively used to enhance analytical method development, robustness, and lifecycle management.
• Own and direct analytical control strategy and delivery for small molecule and new modality drug projects (including oral and inhalation), from clinical development through to commercialization, ensuring high standards of method excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, curiosity, and proactive problem solving, empowering scientists to challenge conventional approaches and responsibly adopt innovative, data‑centric and AI‑enabled solutions.
• Provide end‑to‑end leadership of analytical method control strategy, ensuring consistency, robustness, and lifecycle oversight across the portfolio.
• Ensure laboratory operations meet safety, GMP, data integrity, and quality requirements, while leading the adoption of digitalization, automation, and operational innovation to improve efficiency and insight.
• Manage resources effectively, set clear priorities, and maintain strong communication and alignment with internal and external stakeholders across projects and functions.
• Build and sustain a high‑performance, inclusive culture grounded in scientific rigor, continuous improvement, and AstraZeneca values.
• Act beyond functional and organizational boundaries to champion collaboration across sites and geographies, contributing to GPD and PT&D wide strategic and digital initiatives.

• An advanced degree (BSc, MSc or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical development within analytical science, delivering high‑quality outcomes across development stages and product life cycles.
• A proven track record of delivery across multiple drug delivery platforms (e.g. inhaled, oral) for small molecules and other…