The Associate Director, Lab Insights provides leadership and strategic direction in delivering actionable, data-driven insights that optimize AZ's R&D laboratory space utilization and drive cost efficiency. This role will focus on Ambition 2030 priorities and enable more agile, lean-driven space and resource allocation for the R&D organization, incorporating strategic and Lab Master Planning input from the LabOps Central Team. The Associate Director will directly influence and advise stakeholders across multiple departments to map lab processes, understand project workflows, and identify critical lab equipment interdependencies. They will be responsible for providing actionable insights to the Lab Operations Central Team by leveraging instrument sensor usage data combined with workflow analysis while managing risk using evaluative judgements in complicated or novel situations. This individual will also implement and manage strategies to ensure Waltham laboratory spaces are prepared for the transition to KSQ, including cleanouts and optimizations, to help build for future success at the new site. The Associate Director will coordinate optimization and cost reduction initiatives while serving as the second level of escalation for complex lab utilization challenges. 

Typical Accountabilities 

Lead R&D space utilization and planning by leveraging data-driven insights from instrument usage, workflow analysis, and Lab Master Planning 

Oversee lab space and equipment utilization activities by actively driving and implementing new strategies across the organization to enhance operational efficiency and resource optimization. 

Partner with lab teams and LRCs to understand current and future project goals and associated timelines while optimizing space and driving value delivery 

Process map lab activities down to the bench & asset level to enable accurate understanding of lab usage cross-functionally 

Build and/or leverage systems to ensure lab usage & workflow data is accurate and maintained over time by implementing strategic and operational improvements 

Partner with LIS provider to ensure asset entitlements match equipment criticality based on workflow needs 

Identify improved ways of working and build metrics & KPIs to measure space improvements & time back to science 

Identify candidates for potential lab space footprint expansion or reduction utilizing senor data, insights dashboards, input from R&D and incorporating strategic and Lab Master Planning efforts 

Implement strategies to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance value delivery across the organization 

Manage risk using evaluative judgements in complicated or novel situations during lab cleanouts and insights activities ensuring an orderly process for cataloguing of equipment, consumables, chemicals, and ancillary items both in anticipation of the move to KSQ and post-move completion 

Partner with Lab Ops leadership to improve data on lab equipment locations, shared equipment and backup/redundant equipment 

Provide accurate data for 2D mapping initiatives while enhancing organizational effectiveness 

Change Management & Stakeholder Leadership 

Develop and maintain long-term business relationships with R&D teams to ensure completeness of workflow mapping & project timelines 

Directly influence and advise stakeholders to gain buy-in & ensure that relevant data is captured in a way that minimizes disruption and maximizes value to science 

Communicate effectively to promote understanding, value & adoption of new processes cross-functionally 

Promote a culture of continuous utilization & capacity improvements by providing data to influence CAPEX equipment purchases and instrument sharing opportunities 

Contribute to operational and tactical governance team activities as well as skill-aligned strategic projects 

Provide oversight of multidisciplinary, specialized contract staff involved in lab optimization initiatives

You Must Have

Bachelor’s degree in lab-based biomedical, pharmaceutical, or biological science required 

7-10 years of relevant lab and operations experience with demonstrated leadership  

Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies 

Proven ability to manage risk using evaluative judgements in complicated or novel situations 

Directly influencing and advising stakeholders 

Advanced proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools 

Experience coordinating optimization and cost reduction initiatives  

Experience with lab automation and digitalization  

Strong organizational effectiveness skills  

Cross-functional leadership experience  

Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

Significant experience with Microsoft Office suite 

Strong preference for previous lab operations experience 

Master’s degree or MBA preferred 

Customer Focus 

Decision Quality 

Directing Others 

Motivating Others 

Organizing  

Priority Setting 

Process Management 

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.