AstraZeneca

Senior Specialist, Biosample Operations

AstraZeneca$92K — $138K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline
  • 4+ years or 2+ years of relevant experience, respectively
  • Experience with biological materials handling and documentation
  • Proficiency in LIMS and sample management systems
  • Familiarity with temperature-sensitive storage environments

Responsibilities

  • Receive and accession clinical samples accurately in tracking systems
  • Maintain controlled access and accurate labeling for stored clinical samples
  • Prepare and retrieve samples for authorized scientists
  • Support documentation of samples for laboratory analysis
  • Manage workflows for sample pull, return, transfer, and destruction
  • Maintain storage areas for temperature-sensitive materials
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support operational goals

Benefits

  • Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
  • Equity-based long-term incentive program
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves
  • Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
Full Job Description
Biosample Operations Specialist, please see below the details:
  • Preferred Country of Hire: US
  • Career Level: C
  • SET Area: Operations
  • Cost Center: 716246 4314-Cell Therapy US 4314 Cost Center
  • Job Profile:none found in the job catalogue
  • New Hire or Replacement: FTE: Additional Hire / New Headcount
  • Name of worker being replaced:
  • Already been approved: Approved
  • Click here to view the Job Description


Position Summary

The Biosample Operations Specialist supports the hands-on operational management of Human Biological Samples (HBS) and related clinical trial materials for Cell Therapy programs. Based in Santa Monica, this role is responsible for sample receipt, physical and digital accessioning, controlled storage, inventory maintenance, approved sample pulls for scientists, and support of sample return, transfer, and destruction activities.

Working closely with Biosample Operations Managers and cross-functional partners, this role serves as an operational custodian for clinical samples held in the laboratory, helping ensure controlled access, accurate documentation, and sample traceability. This is an individual contributor role with no formal people management responsibilities.

Responsibilities
  • Receive incoming clinical samples and related materials, inspect and verify contents, and complete accurate physical and digital accessioning in LIMS and other applicable tracking systems.
  • Serve as an operational custodian for clinical samples stored in the laboratory, maintaining controlled access, accurate labeling, inventory records, and sample traceability.
  • Retrieve and prepare approved clinical samples for scientists and other authorized users; scientists will not directly access stored clinical samples.
  • Support the receipt and documentation of samples for in-house laboratory analysis, including apheresis and product-related materials where applicable.
  • Support sample pull, return, transfer, and destruction workflows, including required documentation and inventory updates in LIMS and related sample or project management systems.
  • Maintain designated storage areas, including freezers, liquid nitrogen storage, dry ice, and other temperature-controlled environments.
  • Support inventory handling for clinical samples, reagents, and selected consumables, including barcoding and record maintenance.
  • Identify and escalate discrepancies, condition issues, or documentation gaps as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with laboratory staff and cross-functional partners, including Biobank, HBS, and Quality teams, as needed.
  • Contribute to compliant record-keeping, chain-of-custody practices, and continuous improvement of operational workflows.
  • Help with other responsibilities to meet team and corporate goals.


Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience in biosample operations, biobanking, sample management, laboratory operations, clinical sample handling, or a related field.
  • Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in biosample operations, biobanking, sample management, laboratory operations, clinical sample handling, or a related field.
  • Experience handling, accessioning, storing, and documenting biological materials with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Hands-on experience with LIMS and other sample management, inventory management, or project tracking systems.
  • Experience working with temperature-sensitive biological materials and controlled storage environments.
  • Strong record-keeping, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting clinical trial biospecimens or Human Biological Samples (HBS).
  • Experience with cryogenic materials, liquid nitrogen storage, and other cold-chain workflows.
  • Familiarity with sample lifecycle activities including pull, return, destruction, and long-term storage transfer.
  • Understanding of specimen handling requirements for downstream biomarker, translational, or pharmacokinetic analyses.


The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 to 138,378.00. 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.

Benefits
  • Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
  • Equity-based long-term incentive program
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves
  • Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.


Date Posted
06-Aug-2026

Closing Date
13-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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