Biocenter Scientist, DNA Lab Project Leader

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.

What you’ll do

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 Perform 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 capability, or 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

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• 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.

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