Job Description

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation - ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.
Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we're taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.
Introduction to role:
Human Biological Samples (HBS) are crucial to advancing medical research, playing a pivotal role in the discovery and development of new treatments and diagnostics. Given their ethical sensitivity, the collection, handling, storage, re-use, and access of HBS are governed by stringent regulations and ethical guidelines. As the Director of HBS Compliance, you will be at the forefront of designing and implementing innovative processes to ensure compliance across AstraZeneca's R&D. This role demands a strategic approach to establish efficient procedures and governance, with a strong emphasis on innovation and digitization. Your expertise will be vital in managing high-level risks, providing specialist advice, and fostering a culture of ethics and integrity.
Accountabilities:

• Strategic HBS compliance leadership: Develop and lead a strategic compliance program that integrates innovation and digitization to enhance speed, quality, and scalability.
• Talent strategy and leadership: Supervising recruitment and talent management, encouraging a fresh perspective and digital upskilling within the HBS Compliance teams.
• Capability building and pipeline development: Provide training opportunities to build a pipeline of professionals equipped with digital compliance certifications and exposure to emerging technologies.
• End-to-end deal support and integration (DAC): Optimize frameworks and resources for pre-deal due diligence and post-deal integration projects.
• Process stewardship and modernization: Drive process digitization, automation, and continuous improvement to ensure compliance standards are consistently met.
• Risk identification and digital risk management: Utilize digital tools to proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with HBS activities.
• Lifecycle documentation and SOP innovation: Maintain and modernize documentation/SOPs with digital repositories and smart guidance tools.
• Operational objectives aligned to Global Compliance: Set operational compliance objectives that align with global strategies, incorporating innovation objectives and measurable adoption of technologies.
• Effectiveness monitoring and continuous innovation: Use data-driven insights to monitor process effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Strategic alignment and digital governance: Champion digital governance frameworks and innovation partnerships across R&D.
• Active governance participation: Lead as an active member of HBS Governance Framework fora, advocating for digitization of policy management.
• Local/area governance integration: Promote shared digital platforms and cross-boundary innovation pilots in collaboration with other SET areas.
• Culture of ethics, integrity, and innovation: Embed a culture that encourages responsible innovation and ethical use of data in HBS practices.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Master's degree and/or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline
• Proven track record of planning/driving innovation in regulated environments
• Experience in design and deployment of new processes
• High ethical standards
• Strong collaborative, partnering, and interpersonal skills
• Strong ability to work independently
• Willingness to take decisions
• Fluent in English as the AstraZeneca working language
• Knowledge of Human Biological Sample regulations, laws, and standards
• Excellent analytical, written, and oral communications skills

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Direct experience of working with Human Biological Samples
• Demonstrated ability to apply innovation and digitization in compliance
• HBS regulatory knowledge
• Experience in pharmaceuticals or healthcare-related industry
• Experience of working with multiple stakeholders
• Previous experience in a similar role

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:
Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing .
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Date Posted 15-Oct-2025
Closing Date 28-Oct-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.

Skills Required