Location: Cambridge Salary: competitive Introduction to role: Are you ready to harness computational pathology and AI to move diagnostics from code to clinic? Do you want your work to directly shape how patients are diagnosed and treated? This role leads the scientific and technical integration of computational pathology and AI-enabled diagnostics into accredited laboratories, turning cutting-edge algorithms into validated tools that influence real clinical decisions. You will partner across research, clinical, regulatory, and lab operations to design fit-for-purpose studies, set rigorous acceptance criteria, and deliver analytical validation that stands up to regulatory scrutiny. Your leadership will ensure compliance, reproducibility, and documentation excellence, while your scientific curiosity drives new proposals in computational pathology and multimodal diagnostics that accelerate our pipeline and impact patient outcomes. Accountabilities: • Developing and leading AI-based computational pathology diagnostic and integration within the AZ accredited labs, partnering across the organisation to ensure computational pathology diagnostics are accurately validated. • Leading the scientific and technical diligence of AI-enabled diagnostic solutions for the clinical portfolio. • Delivering innovative scientific proposals across core diagnostic areas, spanning computational pathology and multimodal diagnostics. • Define fit-for-purpose study designs and acceptance criteria; lead analytical validation plans for AI algorithms to meet regulatory requirements; for example, in accordance with CAP/CLIA, GCP, and applicable IVD/Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) within our accredited labs. • Maintain expert awareness of advances in computational pathology, including for example foundation models, multimodal AI, spatial biology, and evolving regulatory policy; evaluate and pilot new technologies with clear success criteria and build productive external collaborations and vendor relationships. • Provide technical mentorship and matrix leadership with a focus on compliance, reproducibility, documentation excellence, and patient impact. Essential Skills/Experience: Masters/PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Computational Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics). Hands-on experience deploying AI/computational diagnostics in regulated environments (e.g., CAP/CLIA, in alignment with IVD/SaMD expectations) Deep expertise in digital pathology and image analysis (e.g., whole-slide imaging, IHC/IF quantitation, tissue segmentation, cell phenotyping, computational biomarkers) and practical ML/AI model development and validation. Proven track record of validation and operationalization of AI diagnostic tools, including data pipeline design, MLOps in clinical settings, performance monitoring, bias/robustness assessment, and post-deployment lifecycle management. Ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects and to collaborate with laboratory operations, pathologists, data/AI teams, and external diagnostic partners. Clear communication and stakeholder influencing with balanced, objective decision-making Desirable Skills/Experience: Experience with regulatory interactions for AI/ML-enabled diagnostics or software (e.g., FDA, EMA, MHRA) and familiarity with Good Machine Learning Practice and SaMD guidance. Experience in oncology precision medicine and companion diagnostic co-development Expertise with multiplex protein technologies (e.g., immunofluorescence, spatial omics, proteomics) and integration of computational readouts with histopathology. Strong data engineering/MLOps skills (e.g., containerization, CI/CD, model registry, audit trails) and familiarity with FAIR data principles, privacy/security by design. Board-certification in Anatomic Pathology (or equivalent) or substantial experience partnering with board-certified pathologists in clinical deployment. Track record of external collaborations with diagnostic companies, academic labs, CROs, and platform vendors When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. Why AstraZeneca: Here, mission-driven science meets real-world impact. You will work in an environment that fuses academic rigor with industry pace, where diverse minds collaborate to solve complex problems and move breakthroughs toward patients. Expect access to cutting-edge technology, a bold pipeline with multiple indications, and a global network of collaborations spanning dozens of countries and leading medical centers. We value kindness alongside ambition, empower leaders at every level, and back smart risk-taking with the support needed to turn promising ideas into validated solutions. So, what’s next? Complete your application before the below closing date. We welcome your application no later than 11th January 2026 Where can I find out more? Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/ Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/ Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en Date Posted 23-Dec-2025 Closing Date 11-Jan-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the 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.