Diagnostic Liaison (Hybrid), Oncology

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.

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 address some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

AstraZeneca Oncology:

AstraZeneca has one of the biopharmaceutical industry’s most exciting and rapidly expanding Oncology portfolios, spanning both small molecule and biologics research and development. We are developing a comprehensive Oncology portfolio with an emphasis in 7 key platforms: DNA damage repair, Immunotherapy, Tumour Drivers & Resistance and Antibody Drug Conjugates, Epigenetics, Immune Engagers and Cell Therapy. Several of these drug candidates are targeted therapies that provide benefit to patients with a particular biomarker or genetic mutation, creating the need for concurrent development of companion diagnostics to identify patients in a timely manner that can benefit from these therapies.

Our diversified portfolio brings exposure to a variety of different areas. It is matched by our global footprint, with opportunities to work with and in different markets or at a global scale.

Our Position:

Reporting to the Diagnostics Liaison Manager, the Ontario Diagnostic Liaison (Hybrid) will be a key leader in continuing to build a “best in class” Oncology capability at AstraZeneca.

As a Diagnostic Liaison, you will use your current diagnostics, clinical and pharmaceutical biomarker-focused testing experience to make an impact in the identification of appropriate patients for novel, first-in-class oncology medicines. This growing team prides itself on maintaining an exciting start-up, entrepreneurial feel to ultimately aide in supporting the efficient access to novel biomarker testing modalities for the diagnosis and molecular profiling of patients.

Importantly, this role will balance both field-based, external (Ontario) and head office-based, internal responsibilities and objectives in a hybrid fashion. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Field-Based (60%)

The Diagnostic Liaison ensures timely, high-quality in-market companion diagnostics / testing solutions to enable optimal treatment throughout the patient journey. Diagnostic Liaisons work in full coordination with the Field Sales Team, Medical Science Liaisons, and the Senior Manager, Diagnostics to execute on tactical plans with a good understanding of clinical operational issues on the testing pathway and developing tailored appropriate testing solutions as needed.

Your role in helping us achieve our leadership ambition will be to:

• Identify and develop relationships with Ontario-based scientific experts: Laboratory decision makers, Anatomical Pathologists, Molecular Pathologists, Geneticists and Genetic Counsellors
• Champion, develop and deliver innovative diagnostics solutions through key account management optimization.
• Research, assess, and educate on upcoming biomarker testing platforms including, but not limited to protein and genomic biomarkers, associated with AstraZeneca’s rapidly evolving Oncology portfolio.
• Share appropriate, approved, educational information on diagnostics and deliver technical, clinical, and lay data presentations.
• Educate on and support the need for diagnostic quality assurance (QA) programmes.
• Identify inefficiencies and barriers to testing through partnerships with diagnostic companies, lab networks, and Health Care Professionals (HCPs). Develop strategies to support and educate on appropriate testing.
• Identify barriers and solutions to the public reimbursement of various diagnostic tests across Canada.
• Responsible for collecting and reporting Adverse Events in accordance with AstraZeneca policies and procedures.
• Within territory travel expected to meet strategic and business needs.

Head Office-Based (40%)

Build diagnostic strategy

• Develop, evaluate and deliver the diagnostic brand strategies for current and future Oncology products, working closely with the Oncology brand teams
• Ensure in-market companion diagnostics / testing excellence for all product launches, including market readiness evaluation to inform go/no go decisions.
• Develop and deploy diagnostics related marketing collateral to support in-market, and future, diagnostic tests, for the life cycle of the diagnostic test.

Develop strategic partnerships

• Identify and collaborate with national diagnostic and clinical opinion leaders to identify, design and execute activities to optimize the provision of diagnostics associated with the respective Oncology brands. Examples of activities include market research, advisory boards, webinars, conference symposiums, etc.
• Remove barriers to testing through collaborative partnerships with diagnostic companies, lab networks, KEEs and HCPs
• Help develop testing pathway robustness in all key national clinical centres, including local protocol support, working on identifying and removing bottlenecks in testing pathways, e.g., in genetic counselling
• Work with Field Diagnostic Liaisons to implement the diagnostic strategy and support strategic projects.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MSc/PhD/RN/MBA) in life sciences, medical, pharmacy or business.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, diagnostics and/or clinical testing market; preferably Oncology experience.
• Strong scientific understanding of Next Generation Sequencing platforms & assays, immunohistochemistry platforms and assays as well as digital innovations in laboratory medicine.
• Ability to positively affect others and quickly establish credibility while building strong teams and business relationships.
• A strong leader and teammate, able to work within a diverse, cross-functional team while improve team cohesiveness and agility.
• Strong communicator with proven business and financial management skills coupled with project management experience.
• Proven ability to meticulously prioritize tasks within a complex, and fast-paced environment to enhance efficiency and achieve strategic goals.
• Proven demonstration of effective cross-functional project team leadership.
• Qualified as a fully licensed driver in your province.

Preferred qualifications:

• Proven experience with a broad base of external customers including patients, prescribers, payers, providers.
• Thorough knowledge of the clinical diagnostic testing environment.
• Strong leadership attributes to set direction, generate commitment, balance short- and long-term needs and constructively resolve issues.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and aim to win.
• Desire to make a difference in patient management.

Summary:

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

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 AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.