Science & Innovation Director

Job Description

Join AstraZeneca, a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company, as our Science & Innovation Director.

This role is a unique opportunity to drive and champion the innovative application of a range of physics-informed and statistical Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Pharmaceutical Development. You will be at the forefront of creating new business opportunities and responding to short and long-term business needs.

Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) is an organization within Operations that turns brilliant science into actual medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, designing and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices for new medicines. We provide the essential data that forms the core of the regulatory submission files and provide expert technical support to all AstraZeneca’s commercial drug substances and products to ensure we successfully supply medicines to patients.

The role

PT&D is embarking on an ambitious digital strategy; recognising the potential for transformational impact on how Medicines are developed. As a Science & Innovation Director, you will be expected to keep up-to-date on how AI is developing and to use this knowledge to identify and progress opportunities where AI could have a transformational impact. You will be responsible for developing a business-focused science and innovation strategy with clear ambitions and deliverables. You will use your knowledge of AI to work collaboratively with external partners to evaluate these opportunities through the PT&D Innovation process. A strong external network will be essential for this role to understand advancements and to collaborate with external parties on innovation opportunities. In PT&D, collaboration is also key and you will be responsible for championing successful Innovation projects, acting as a change agent to ensure implementation & the transformational impact is realised.

The role holder will build a global network and high-quality links/collaborations with key academic partners, companies and other innovators and advise in the selection and design of collaborations with universities and other institutions. You will act as ambassador for creativity and innovation and facilitate wider understanding how PT&&D can influence patient value.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Master or PhD degree in computer science or life sciences degree

• Demonstrated knowledge and capabilities of a range of Artificial Intelligence tools.

• Track record of driving and implementing innovation & change through collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence effectively internally and externally.

• A strong scientific background in the pharmaceutical industry.

• A track record of successful leadership and delivery.

• Experience and ability to work across several scientific areas.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Demonstrates a high level of understanding of the AI area and can relate this to the challenges & opportunities faced by PT&D in developing new medicines.

• Excellent team working and networking skills.

• Ability to think beyond boundaries of own job and company, challenges status quo and seeks opportunities for business improvement.

• Capable of making effective decisions, acts courageously and communicates with conviction and inspiration at all levels.

• An excellent communicator with experience of interacting effectively across interfaces of discipline, culture and expertise both internally and externally.

At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. We are united by our shared purpose – to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. We come to work each day to make a difference – to patients, society, and our company. Our workforce reflects the people we serve – diversity is embedded in everything we do. We’re at our best when drawing on our different views, experiences, and strengths. We are forever connecting, collaborating, innovating, and learning.

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! Apply with your CV and cover letter no later than June 12th 2025.

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.