Senior Solution Engineer - Research and PDCS IT at AstraZeneca in New Haven, Connecticut

Job Description:

This is what you will do:



This position will partner on business strategy and driving process and technology across Data Sciences/Bioinformatics/Genomics, Internal Research, External Research, Bioanalytical Development, Translational Medicine, Pre-Clinical Research, and Discovery Sciences. The role will require the ability to match IT strategy to Research priorities and then translate this strategy into execution with a "hands-on" approach to delivering IT solutions. You will work with IT and business partners to build an outstanding architecture framework and strategy, implementation roadmaps, and governance, to support the constantly evolving needs in the BioPharma industry. The resulting strategy will be based on industry guidelines and Alexion standards, while periodically evolving in alignment with future business needs and capabilities. You will apply the strategic framework to establish a target-state architecture that will guide the design, development, and delivery of key IT solutions in supporting the business strategy/needs!

• You must have excellent communication and customer service skills and must be prepared to regularly use these skills in presentations to colleagues. Constructive communication will be encouraged down to the most junior staff members as well as up the leadership ladder. In all endeavors, they must maintain a professional level of preparation and performance.


• In addition, you must stay abreast of new technologies and be willing to present and/or train fellow team members on the technologies. You should have a demeanor of continuous improvement and strive to make one thing better every day.


• You must also manage ambiguity and complexity, optimize work processes and drive engagement, get results, and overall drive the implementation and adoption of business IT Quality and Laboratory systems to meet the Business requirements. Alexion process demands that operational streamlining and efficiency is driven by a simple, compliant, and suitable business process that meets the strategic goals of accommodating growth and compliance.

You will be responsible for:

• Designs solution blueprints for projects or solutions that address business/application/data/infrastructure requirements.


• Works with Business Analysis and Solution Architecture functions and supports functional & technical requirements management, including driving software selection processes.


• Ensures that solution architectures and designs are appropriately robust and address business, application, information and infrastructure architectural requirements.


• Accountable for designing comprehensive solutions that meet business requirements and are aligned to AstraZeneca's Enterprise Architecture, in support of a given portfolio.


• The Solution Engineer will partner with project managers, business analysts, and solution architects to create solutions that are aligned to AstraZeneca architecture standards and principles, leverage common solutions and services, and meet the financial targets (cost and benefits).


• Within the solution development lifecycle the role will be accountable for solution evaluation and selection, buy vs. build decisions, and early-phase project estimates which contribute to the business case.


• Provides technical & IT expertise support to project teams and conducts AZ architectural reviews throughout project lifecycle.


• Ensures compliance with existing EA guidelines and standards (e.g. AZ Architecture Engagement Process (ISPMM) and EA Software Standards)


• Contributes to project and service teams in the development, implementation and maintenance of standard architectural components.


• Works with third party suppliers as required and contributes to the creation of local or functional design documents.


• Works with third party suppliers to verify technical development and delivery are in alignment with the Architecture Roadmap, Blueprint and Information Services Strategy.


• Documents all architecture analysis and design work


• Develops solid understanding and expertise in at least one architecture domain


• Contributes to the development of the Architecture Capability within Information Services, by documenting and sharing knowledge and standard methodologies with peer Engineers.

You will need to have:

• Degree in an IT/ or Business-related field.


• 9+ years progressive experience in Research / Quality / Laboratory systems within a regulated enterprise environment.


• Strong multi-functional knowledge across Research Labs & associated Technologies & Processes.


• Laboratory Network Infrastructure understanding.


• Computer Systems Validation, GAMP5 experience and familiarity with both regulatory (GxP) and corporate compliance domains.


• Project Management experience - 3+ years.


• Systems selection process and RFP.


• IT Tools and processes as it relates to ITIL/ISPE.


• Experience developing innovative solutions, blueprints, and standards for solution design.


• 3+ years Relationship management.


• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

We would prefer for you to have:

• Detail-oriented and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.


• Prior experience integrating systems to support lab data capture, analysis, scientific knowledge management, and enabling external teamwork.


• Experience with Research laboratory systems and processes (ELN, SDMS, bioinformatics platforms, lab automation, protein/molecular sciences & engineering, drug screening, biologics research, preclinical research), analytical chemistry, fermentation, and process management.


• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with colleagues at all levels.


• Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills.


• Strategic mentality and experience with supporting a Research Operations environment.


• Ability to act decisively in an uncertain environment.

Expectation of working in the office 3 days a week statement: When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working give us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.


AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.


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.


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. Apply Now