AstraZeneca

Associate Director, Injectable Drug Product Technology Transfer

AstraZeneca$130K — $180K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-15 years in injectable drug product development and technology transfer, with expertise in biologics and complex modalities.
  • In-depth technical knowledge of sterile manufacturing including single-use systems.
  • Strong understanding of GMP regulations and experience in regulatory submission processes.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and mentoring staff in a GMP environment.
  • Proficiency in electronic quality systems and data analysis tools, particularly TrackWise.
  • Excellent communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional teams in injectable drug product technology transfers to GMP manufacturing sites.
  • Develop and implement technology transfer and validation strategies with risk assessments and control strategies.
  • Oversee optimization of drug product unit operations like aseptic filling and lyophilization.
  • Provide on-site technical support during manufacturing campaigns and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
  • Author and review regulatory and technical documentation including IND and BLA filings.
  • Monitor process performance data and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders on project timelines and technical strategy.

Benefits

  • Mentorship opportunities and involvement in departmental strategy planning.
  • Exposure to a wide range of biopharmaceutical technologies and product modalities.
  • Potential for international travel to diverse manufacturing sites.
  • Contributions to continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
  • Engagement with industry trends and emerging technologies in drug development.
Full Job Description
This is what you will do:

The Associate Director will lead the development, characterization, technology transfer, and validation of sterile injectable drug products across a range of modalities including biologics, peptides, nucleic acids, and synthetic molecules. This role spans early-phase development through commercialization and includes responsibility for liquid and lyophilized formulations in vials, prefilled syringes, and cartridges. The successful candidate will serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME), providing strategic and hands-on leadership in process development, scale-up, manufacturing support, and regulatory submissions.

You will be responsible for:
  • Lead cross-functional teams in the design, execution, and oversight of injectable drug product technology transfers to internal and external GMP manufacturing sites.
  • Develop and implement robust, phase-appropriate technology transfer and process validation strategies, including risk assessments, FMEAs, and control strategies.
  • Oversee development and optimization of drug product unit operations such as freeze/thaw, mixing, sterile filtration, aseptic filling, lyophilization, stoppering, sealing, and visual inspection.
  • Serve as the technical lead during manufacturing campaigns, providing on-site support, troubleshooting, and decision-making in collaboration with Process Development, QA, and Operations.
  • Author and review technical documentation including batch records, validation protocols, change controls, deviations, and regulatory filings (IND, IMPD, BLA, MAA).
  • Monitor and trend process performance data; lead investigations and implement CAPAs as needed.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on timelines, deliverables, and technical strategy.
  • Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of technology transfer and manufacturing support processes.
  • Stay current with industry trends, regulatory expectations, and emerging technologies in injectable drug product development.
  • Mentor junior staff and contribute to resource planning, budgeting, and departmental strategy.
  • Travel domestically and internationally (~25%) to support manufacturing site activities.


You will need to have:
  • Proven leadership in injectable drug product development and technology transfer, including experience with biologics and complex modalities.
  • Deep technical knowledge of sterile manufacturing processes and equipment, including single-use systems.
  • Strong understanding of GMP regulations, process validation, and regulatory submission requirements and supporting regulatory inspections as a technical SME.
  • Experience managing or mentoring technical staff and leading cross-functional project teams in direct or matrix teams through late-phase development and commercial product launches.
  • Proficiency with electronic quality systems (e.g., TrackWise) and data analysis tools.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work in GMP environments and travel as needed for manufacturing support.
  • Prior work with CDMOs and global manufacturing networks.
  • Familiarity with protein formulation, stability, and analytical methods.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Engineering with 8+ years of experience; M.S. with 12+ years; or B.S. with 15+ years in biopharmaceutical drug product development and manufacturing.
  • Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement training


Date Posted
03-Jun-2026

Closing Date
23-Jun-2026

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc. AstraZeneca's products are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. The company has operations in over 100 countries and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide. AstraZeneca is committed to developing innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Learn more about AstraZeneca
Size
83,100 employees
Market Cap
$211.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1999
5 Year Trend
+10.2%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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