Claire Corcoran, PhD

Precision Medicine | Diagnostic Development | Oncology R&D | Translational Science

Greater Cambridge Area

About

Accomplished leader with extensive pharmaceutical industry experience in drug and diagnostic development, having led or supported precision medicine approaches for over 25 Phase I-III clinical trials. PhD in cancer biology (translational science) with proven expertise in biomarker discovery, validation, patient-centric approaches, and health authority regulatory interactions. Effective communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated by deep stakeholder management experience, excellent presentation skills and a robust publication record. Compassionate, inclusive leader experienced in line and matrix management. Motivates teams to push scientific boundaries, streamline processes, and maximize efficiency while maintaining compliance. Detail-oriented professional with ability to maintain a clear strategic view.

Experience

  • AstraZeneca ()
    • Director, Diagnostic & Laboratory Science, Precision Medicine
      Dec 2021 - May 2026 · 4 yrs 6 mos

      Team lead within the diagnostic and laboratory science function driving line and matrix teams across multiple therapy areas to deliver key milestones, optimize resources and elevate stakeholder communications. Guided strategy and execution that enabled multiple Phase 3 investment decisions, diagnostic test/partner selection, laboratory set-up, study oversight, and regulatory submissions across multiple therapeutic areas.

    • Associate Director, Diagnostic Development Unit, Precision Medicine
      May 2018 - Nov 2021 · 3 yrs 7 mos

      Senior member of the Molecular Diagnostics team delivering critical technical expertise across project and portfolio levels; led diagnostic development for complex Phase 3 studies, provided matrix leadership across a diagnostics portfolio, and advanced to line-manage and develop junior scientists

    • Senior Scientist, Molecular Diagnostics, Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers
      Sep 2014 - Apr 2018 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      Delivered scientific and technical expertise to drug project teams, supporting the development and implementation of validated diagnostics for prospective patient selection. The role was primarily a diagnostic technical lead but I was also interim laboratory manager for 1 year covering maternity leave (2015-2016).

  • PhD Candidate at Molecular Therapeutics for Cancer Ireland (Trinity College Dublin)
    Oct 2009 - Oct 2013 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Conducted research as part of Molecular Therapeutics for Cancer Ireland (MTCI), a Strategic Research Cluster dedicated to advancing personalised cancer treatment through the development of anti-cancer drugs and the identification of companion biomarkers to predict patient response to specific therapies or combination regimens

  • Visiting Research Fellow at Dana Farber Cancer Institute/ Harvard Medical School
    Sep 2012 - Dec 2012 · 4 mos

    Awarded SFI Short Term Travel Fellowship to conduct additional research towards PhD. Through collaboration with the host lab, I further explored microRNAs regulating cancer cell aggression & treatment as well as existence of exosomes in circulation