AstraZeneca

Senior Director, Site Manufacturing Science and Technology, Cell Therapy Technical Operations

AstraZeneca$216K — $325K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in relevant engineering or biological field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 12+ years of experience in cell therapy/biologics/vaccines; technical development or manufacturing leadership.
  • Technical expertise in cell therapy manufacturing processes; familiarity with biologics or viral vectors beneficial.
  • Extensive GMP manufacturing operations experience, including site readiness and process validation for clinical and commercial products.
  • Proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute MSAT strategy aligned with Cell Therapy Technical Operations.
  • Build, mentor, and develop Site MSAT teams with expertise in cell therapy operations.
  • Contribute to long-term supply planning and operational excellence as part of the Manufacturing Operations team.
  • Oversee process execution strategies at manufacturing sites for harmonization and compliance.
  • Ensure successful technology transfer and supply of cell therapy products during clinical and commercial phases.
  • Lead preparation for clinical manufacture, including equipment and documentation readiness.
  • Implement proactive process analysis strategies for continued process understanding across sites.

Benefits

  • Qualified retirement programs
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, and leaves)
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards
  • Flexible work arrangements supported.
Full Job Description
AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Director of Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) to serve as senior-technical leader for the Cell Therapy manufacturing sites across a global network of AstraZeneca. You will be responsible for receiving manufacturing process at the sites and supporting clinical manufacture, process validation and commercial manufacture at AstraZeneca's internal manufacturing sites, partnering closely with Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Supply chain and QC Operations teams located at the manufacturing sites. This is a leadership position responsible for developing and managing MSAT teams located at the manufacturing sites.

Your group will own the cell therapy manufacturing support for the sites - from tech transfer of the clinical manufacturing process to the process validation, commercial manufacture, and post-approval process improvements specific to manufacturing sites - partnering with Global Manufacturing Science and Technology and Manufacturing Operations teams.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Strategy

  • Define and execute the Site MSAT function strategy aligned with Cell Therapy Technical Operations to enable development and supply objectives across clinical and commercial stages.


  • Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Site MSAT teams with deep expertise in cell therapy GMP operations and process science and technology.


  • Serve as a core member of the site Manufacturing Operations team, contributing to long-range supply planning, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.


  • Lead, develop and oversee late-stage and commercial process execution strategies at manufacturing sites to enable harmonization and quality and regulatory compliance.


Development and Manufacturing Interface

  • Represent Site MSAT in technology transfer, process validation and commercial supply teams to ensure successful supply of cell therapy products.


  • Represent Manufacturing Operations in the CMC team, ensuring high-quality and timely program deliverables (clinical & commercial supply, site approvals).


  • Lead Clinical manufacture and PPQ readiness at the manufacturing site that includes material, facility, equipment, manufacturing systems, documentation and process operations readiness.


  • Implement and maintain Proactive Process Analysis (PPA) and Continued Process Verification (CPV) strategies across manufacturing sites to ensure continued process understanding and process control across all manufacturing sites


Lifecycle Management

  • Identify and implement process improvements that improve process robustness, cost of goods, plant throughput, and supply continuity within the boundaries of an approved or cleared clinical products.


  • Proactively identify and mitigate technical and operational risks; drive lessons-learned cycles and standardization across sites and teams.


Regulatory & Quality Support

  • Serve as the senior accountable Site MSAT leader for regulatory submissions - Pivotal INDa, BLA, MAA, and supplements - reviewing CMC sections to ensure alignment with the site operations.


  • Lead site preparedness and technical support for health authority inspections and audits working closely with Quality and Manufacturing Ops teams.


  • Partner with quality and regulatory to maintain full compliance with cGMP, ICH guidelines, and global regulatory expectations.


  • Develop and defend sound scientific justifications for site operations (SOPs, MBRs, Manufacturing systems, Operation trainings), and any site-specific changes to the approved products.


  • Lead site-specific Change Controls and ensure timely implementation and compliance working with global MSAT team.


Cross-Functional Partnerships

You will work in close partnership with:

  • Manufacturing Operations - align with site capability and readiness and provide routine support to enable flowless execution at the site


  • Quality - ensuring process compliance and product quality standards at the site


  • Supply Chain - align and support readiness for supply of the clinical and commercial products


  • CMC Leadership - providing site MSAT input for tech transfer, clinical manufacture, process validation and commercial supply


  • Governance - participate in Change Controls and Technical Governance Committees


Qualifications

Education

  • B.S or M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.


Experience

  • 12+ years of progressive experience for cell therapy/biologics/vaccines modalities in technical development, manufacturing operation, CMC leadership or CMO management areas.


  • Technical expertise in cell therapy manufacturing processes and technologies is highly desirable. Experience in the biologics or viral vectors or vaccines will be considered.


  • Extensive background in GMP manufacturing operations, site readiness for clinical manufacture, process validation, and commercial supply, and site support for commercial products.


  • Proven record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing technical and cross-functional teams.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $216,996.00 - $325,494.00. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted
24-Aug-2026

Closing Date
30-Aug-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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