Associate Director, Lab Insights
The Associate Director, Lab Insights provides leadership and strategic direction in delivering actionable, data-driven insights that optimizeAZ's R&D laboratory space utilizationand drive cost efficiency. This role will focus on Ambition 2030 priorities and enable more agile, lean-driven space and resource allocation for the R&D organization, incorporating strategic and Lab Master Planning input from the LabOps Central Team. The Associate Director will directly influence and advise stakeholders across multiple departments to map lab processes, understand project workflows, and identify critical lab equipment interdependencies. They will be responsible for providing actionable insights to the Lab Operations Central Team by leveraging instrument sensor usage data combined with workflow analysis while managing risk using evaluative judgements in complicated or novel situations. This individual will also implement and manage strategies to ensure Waltham laboratory spaces are prepared for the transition to KSQ, including cleanouts and optimizations, to help build for future success at the new site. The Associate Director will coordinate optimization and cost reduction initiatives while serving as the second level of escalation for complex lab utilization challenges.
Typical Accountabilities
Lead R&D space utilization and planning by leveraging data-driven insights from instrument usage, workflow analysis, and Lab Master Planning
Oversee lab space and equipment utilization activities by actively driving and implementing new strategies across the organization to enhance operational efficiency and resource optimization.
Partner with lab teams and LRCs to understand current and future project goals and associated timelineswhile optimizing space and driving value delivery
Process map lab activities down to the bench & asset level to enable accurate understanding of lab usage cross-functionally
Build and/or leverage systems to ensure lab usage & workflow data is accurate and maintained over time by implementing strategic and operational improvements
Partner with LIS provider to ensure asset entitlements match equipment criticality based on workflow needs
Identify improved ways of working and build metrics & KPIs to measure space improvements & time back to science
Identify candidates for potential lab space footprint expansion or reduction utilizing senor data, insights dashboards, input from R&D and incorporating strategic and Lab Master Planning efforts
Implement strategies to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance value delivery across the organization
Manage risk using evaluative judgements in complicated or novel situations during lab cleanouts and insights activities ensuring an orderly process for cataloguing of equipment, consumables, chemicals, and ancillary items both in anticipation of the move to KSQ and post-move completion
Partner with Lab Ops leadership to improve data on lab equipment locations, shared equipment and backup/redundant equipment
Provide accurate data for 2D mapping initiatives while enhancing organizational effectiveness
Change Management & Stakeholder Leadership
Develop and maintain long-term business relationships with R&D teams to ensure completeness of workflow mapping & project timelines
Directly influence and advise stakeholders to gain buy-in & ensure that relevant data is captured in a way that minimizes disruption and maximizes value to science
Communicate effectively to promote understanding, value & adoption of new processes cross-functionally
Promote a culture of continuous utilization & capacity improvements by providing data to influence CAPEX equipment purchases and instrument sharing opportunities
Contribute to operational and tactical governance team activities as well as skill-aligned strategic projects
Provide oversight of multidisciplinary, specialized contract staff involved in lab optimization initiatives
You Must Have
Bachelor’s degree in lab-based biomedical, pharmaceutical, or biological science required
7-10 years of relevant lab and operations experience with demonstrated leadership
Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies
Proven ability to manage risk using evaluative judgements in complicated or novel situations
Directly influencing and advising stakeholders
Advanced proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools
Experience coordinating optimization and cost reduction initiatives
Experience with lab automation and digitalization
Strong organizational effectiveness skills
Cross-functional leadership experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Significant experience with Microsoft Office suite
Strong preference for previous lab operations experience
Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Customer Focus
Decision Quality
Directing Others
Motivating Others
Organizing
Priority Setting
Process Management
Date Posted
09-Sep-2025Closing Date
29-Sep-2025Our 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 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.
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