Associate Director, Next-Generation Sequencing Innovation

Title: Associate Director, Next-Generation Sequencing Innovation Location: Gaithersburg, MD Job Description: We are seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary Associate Director to lead and transform our Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) capabilities within Biologics Engineering at AstraZeneca. This is not a role for maintaining the status quo—we need a strategic innovator who will actively identify unmet needs, forge partnerships with cutting-edge vendors, and build novel in-house capabilities, particularly for biologics discovery. You will be empowered to challenge conventional approaches and drive adoption of transformative NGS applications across our global organization. What Makes This Role Unique This position offers significant autonomy to shape NGS strategy and make technology development decisions, leading a high-performing NGS team directly embedded within an innovative biologics discovery group. You'll have the opportunity to build something transformative rather than maintain existing infrastructure, with scope to impact discovery across multiple therapeutic areas while working on cutting-edge biologics programs. Key Responsibilities:    NGS team management: Lead a high-performing NGS team delivering core and custom solutions across the company in a timely and effective manner. Contribute to global strategy and steering decisions regarding the use and analysis of NGS. Proactive Engagement: Systematically engage with discovery teams, therapeutic areas, and leadership to identify bottlenecks and opportunities where NGS could accelerate or transform research outcomes—then design and implement solutions. Wet and dry lab solutions: Bridge our wet lab and bioinformatics scientists to implement analysis solutions for every discovery platform. Build strategic relationships with technology vendors and academics to gain early access to emerging platforms, or develop custom solutions. Evaluate when to leverage external solutions versus developing proprietary in-house methods, balancing speed-to-impact with competitive advantage.    Qualifications:  Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field with 10+ years of experience building and using NGS technologies, including a proven track record of identifying and implementing novel technologies that delivered measurable impact beyond standard vendor workflows. Previous experience managing a high performing team, especially for technology development Extensive experience with various NGS platforms (e.g. Illumina, PacBio) and their applications in biologics research. A strong background in laboratory automation and high-throughput workflows is desired, as is expertise in bioinformatics, data analysis, and HPC environments. Demonstrated success building and empowering teams that push boundaries, with an entrepreneurial mindset comfortable with ambiguity and calculated risk-taking. Ability to influence, building coalitions across organizational boundaries and inspiring adoption of new technology. Strong presentation skills are highly desired with the ability to articulate complex technical capabilities to diverse audiences. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $180,740.80 - $271,111.20 USD Annual Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. 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. Date Posted 08-Apr-2026 Closing Date 14-Apr-2026 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. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.