Oncology Translational Medicine, Senior Sample Operations Specialist

Introduction to role:

This role is based in Barcelona, with an on-site commitment of three days a week. Fluency in English is required.

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer? At AstraZeneca, we are more than just a leading pharmaceutical company; we are pioneers in transforming scientific discoveries into life-saving therapies. Join our Oncology Translational Medicine team, where we bridge lab research and clinical trials to rapidly advance new medicines. As a Senior Sample Operations Specialist, you will play a crucial role in developing new cancer drugs by managing human biological samples with multifunctional global teams.

Accountabilities:

- Provide clinical study-level support for managing samples in oncology trials, ensuring timely and accurate delivery to laboratories.
- Identify the required sample lists from Central Lab/biobank/ clinical inventories/ collaborating Institutions, coordinate approvals and shipments in compliance with AZ HBS processes, resolve any discrepancies, and track the samples.
- Maintain clear communication with stakeholders.
- Maintain trackers for multiple projects and provide metrics and reports.
- Provide advice and guidance on TM HBS processes.
- Collaborate with compliance, laboratory, operations, and quality teams to drive process improvements and implement automations.
- Ensure all work complies with Good Clinical Practice, the Human Tissue Act, and AstraZeneca policies.

Essential Skills/Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in the biopharmaceutical industry or clinical environment.
- Hands-on experience managing HBS in a biorepository and/or biospecimen department or on clinical trials.
- Meticulous and highly organised, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy in literacy and numeracy, to support preparation and review of documentation and spreadsheets.
- Ability to multi-task, and deliver high quality work across multiple projects simultaneously, under pressure and against tight timelines.
- Excellent working knowledge of Excel.
- Familiarity with LIMS or other complex database/inventory systems.
- Ability to interact successfully with multiple stakeholders across functional boundaries, with clear oral and written communication.
- A confident team player with good interpersonal skills who is assertive but willing to listen and learn from the views of others, able to influence beyond own immediate team.
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt as the requirements of the role changes.
- Comfortable with adopting new AI-based tools and platforms.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

- Experience with relevant oncology clinical specimens (e.g. formalin fixed tissues, blood or blood products).
- Experience in contributing to operational deployment of clinical laboratory testing.
- Conducting work to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and/or within a regulatory /quality framework (e.g. ISO 15189-, CAP-, CLIA-accredited lab environment).
- Competency in advanced excel functions including pivot tables, Lookups.

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.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where courage, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to eliminating cancer as a cause of death drives us forward, supported by cutting-edge science and technology. With a robust pipeline and a dedication to patient outcomes, we empower our teams to lead at every level. Here, you can build a rewarding career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of millions affected by cancer.

Ready to join us on this groundbreaking journey? Apply now and be part of our mission to transform lives!

Date Posted

20-nov-2025

Closing Date

04-dic-2025

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.