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Translational Science Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Discovery, Preclinical, and Translational Science * Oversees target identification and validation, development and execution of complex immunology assays, as well as translational immunology ...

Discovery, Preclinical, and Translational Science * Oversees target identification and validation, development and execution of complex immunology assays, as well as translational immunology ...

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Translational Science information

What is translational science?

Translational science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on turning scientific discoveries made in laboratories, clinics, or population studies into practical applications that improve human health. This process often involves bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice, ensuring that new treatments, diagnostics, or interventions reach patients more efficiently. Translational scientists work to identify barriers in the research-to-practice pipeline and develop strategies to overcome them, accelerating the delivery of medical advances. The field requires collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to ensure scientific innovations benefit society.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a translational scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Translational Scientist, you generally need a strong background in biomedical research, clinical science, and a relevant advanced degree (such as a PhD, MD, or PharmD). Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, regulatory requirements, and project management systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills are crucial for bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application. These skills ensure that scientific innovations can be efficiently and safely translated into therapies that benefit patients.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in translational science, and how can they be addressed?

Translational Science professionals often encounter challenges bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application, such as coordinating interdisciplinary teams and managing complex project timelines. Effective communication across diverse scientific and clinical groups is essential, as is staying updated with regulatory requirements and ethical considerations. Building strong collaborative networks and developing project management skills can help overcome these hurdles, enabling smoother progression from laboratory discoveries to patient care innovations.

What is the difference between Translational Science vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectTranslational ScienceClinical Research Coordinator
Required credentialsBachelor's or higher in life sciences, advanced degrees often preferredBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field, certification optional
Work environmentLaboratories, research institutions, biotech companiesClinical trial sites, hospitals, research clinics
Employer and industry usagePharmaceutical companies, academic research, biotech firmsHospitals, clinical research organizations, academic medical centers
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding research roles bridging lab and clinical applicationsManaging patient data and coordinating clinical trials

Translational Science focuses on converting laboratory research into clinical applications, often working in labs and research settings. Clinical Research Coordinators manage and oversee clinical trials at healthcare facilities. While both roles are integral to medical research, Translational Science emphasizes bench-to-bedside development, whereas Clinical Research Coordinators focus on trial logistics and patient coordination.

How to become a translational scientist?

To become a translational scientist, typically a Ph.D. or equivalent in a biomedical or related field is required, along with experience in laboratory research and understanding of clinical applications. Developing skills in data analysis, project management, and collaboration with clinical teams is essential, often complemented by training in regulatory affairs and good laboratory practices. Gaining experience through research positions, internships, or postdoctoral work helps build expertise in translating laboratory findings into clinical solutions.

What does a translational science do?

A professional in translational science focuses on converting laboratory research into clinical applications and therapies. They work to bridge the gap between basic scientific discoveries and patient care, often collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and regulatory agencies. Skills in data analysis, research methodology, and understanding of regulatory processes are essential in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Translational Science jobs in Worcester, MA?

For Translational Science jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Translational Science jobs in Worcester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Translational Science jobs in Worcester, MA are:

Infographic showing various Translational Science job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution.

Associate Director, Translational Data Science, Hematology R&D

AstraZeneca

Waltham, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to turn multimodal clinical and molecular data into decisions that change how patients with blood cancers are treated? Based in Cambridge, MA, this role sits at the heart of our translational engine, where your analyses, tools, and judgement will directly shape study design, biomarker strategy, and the pace at which promising medicines reach patients.

You will lead high-impact translational data initiatives across programs, applying AI and statistical learning to single-cell and multiomic datasets while building intuitive interfaces that give scientists, clinicians, and non-experts rapid insight. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with translational science, biomarker, and data engineering partners, you will raise the quality and accessibility of our datasets and mentor colleagues to build analytics muscle across the portfolio. Can you envision a platform where single-cell insights and MRD readouts are delivered in minutes to trial teams to inform the next decision?

Accountabilities:

  • Translational Insight Generation: Apply AI and statistical learning to clinical biomarkers, molecular genetic data, and single-cell RNA-seq to generate insights that advance hematology programs and inform patient stratification.

  • Decision-Enabling Tools: Build interfaces, dashboards, and analytical tools that provide fast, reliable access to complex translational and clinical data for scientists, clinicians, and non-experts.

  • Workflow Leadership: Design, implement, and validate analytical workflows from quality control and integration through annotation, differential analysis, and results reporting, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.

  • Reproducible Data Assets: Develop and maintain robust data transformation pipelines and quality-controlled datasets that support cross-functional decision making at scale.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with biomarker science, biostatistics, and data engineering to embed analytics into program strategies and to unlock decision support across studies.

  • Strategic Interpretation and Communication: Translate complex data outputs into clear narratives that guide program direction and contribute to scientific communications and governance materials.

  • Capability Building: Mentor junior data scientists and analysts; provide technical guidance and champion best practices to elevate translational analytics across the team.

  • Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as a go-to expert in hematology translational data analytics, able to clearly communicate findings to scientific and clinical audiences and influence strategy.

Essential Skills/Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience

  • Masters Degree

  • Expertise applying AI/ML and statistical learning to high-dimensional biological and clinical data, with emphasis on MRD and single-cell analysis.

  • Expertise in bulk and single-cell DNA-seq and RNA-seq workflows, from quality control, genotyping, and integration through cell-type annotation and differential expression.

  • Experience building interfaces, dashboards, or applications that enable scientists, clinicians, and non-experts to gain rapid insight from complex data.

  • Strong programming skills in languages/tools such as R and Python and experience with scalable data workflows.

  • Strong software-engineering practices for reproducible analysis, including version control (Git) and standardized documentation in Python and R/RStudio.

  • Experience mentoring data scientists and enabling team-wide growth in analytics capabilities.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a track record of effectively conveying complex scientific analyses to diverse audiences.

  • Prior hands-on experience with large or complex datasets from hematologic malignancies, including the ability to interpret MRD and disease-specific biomarkers.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

  • Experience building interactive scientific applications (e.g., Shiny, Dash, Streamlit) and data visualization for non-expert users.

  • Proficiency with scalable and cloud-based analytics (e.g., AWS, GCP, or Azure), workflow orchestration (e.g., Nextflow, Snakemake, Airflow), and containerization (Docker).

  • Familiarity with data engineering best practices, including data modeling, metadata management, and FAIR principles for translational datasets.

  • Exposure to clinical trial data structures and translational biomarker strategy, including integration of clinical endpoints with molecular readouts.

  • Strong knowledge of hematologic disease biology and cancer immunology to aid interpretation of MRD and biomarker signals.

  • Experience operationalizing reproducible research through package development, automated testing, CI/CD, and documentation standards.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives 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.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from 138,392.80 - 207,589.20 USD Annual [80% - 120% ].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.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here, science leads and speed matters. You will be empowered to make bold, evidence-based decisions and to move quickly from idea to action, joining forces with colleagues across disciplines and with external partners to solve the hardest problems in cancer. We pair cutting-edge technologies with a deep bench of scientific expertise, bringing diverse minds together to unlock insights faster and turn data into patient impact. We value kindness alongside ambition, encourage constructive challenge, and back our people to take smart risks-so your work doesn't just advance a project, it shapes the future of our pipeline and helps transform outcomes for people living with blood cancers.

Call to Action:

If you are ready to lead translational data science that converts complexity into clarity-and clarity into better treatments for patients-send us your application and help accelerate the next breakthrough!

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move toKendallSquare/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here:KendallSquare Press Release

Date Posted

17-Aug-2026

Closing Date

03-Sept-2026

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.


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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB