Director, RDU IT Digital Health & Experience Innovation Strategy

Job Title: Director, RDU IT Digital Health & Experience Innovation Strategy

Introduction to role

Are you driven by curiosity and passion to make a difference? As the Director of Innovation Strategy, you will be part of the Digital Health & Experience Innovation (DHEI) team, reporting to the Head of DHEI, Rare Disease Unit IT. This role is pivotal in providing leadership and strategic direction for initiatives that push the boundaries of innovation in early diagnosis and care for the rare disease patient community. You will inspire and lead by example, fostering an entrepreneurial culture where promising ideas can thrive ethically and sustainably. Are you ready to champion the future of healthcare?

Accountabilities

• Champion the use of emerging technology, innovation frameworks, and techniques across the RDU.

• Develop and lead the execution of a unified strategy for incorporating emerging tech and AI-based solutions for clinical and commercial diagnostics, drug discovery, and companion diagnostic solutions.

• Collaborate with RDU R&D, Commercial Diagnostics, AI, and internal/external Innovation teams to integrate solutions across global products.

• Continuously monitor the competitive landscape, emerging trends, and technological advancements in precision medicine and diagnostics.

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and negotiation of partnerships to integrate emerging technology and platforms for innovative differentiation.

• Convert innovative prototypes into fully developed technology products ready for deployment in collaboration with delivery and business partner groups.

• Collaborate with internal and external experts to gather insights for research projects.

• Serve as a member of the Advisory for FIND RARE and RDU Global Diagnostic Task Force.

• Support Shared Markets in developing strategic, sustainable, and scalable patient-focused healthcare solutions.

• Present findings and recommendations through reports, presentations, and public events to enhance RDU IT DHEI thought leadership presence.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy that strengthens IT-business partnerships using innovation techniques and strategic foresight.

• Mentor and manage innovation & futures champions, providing guidance to ensure functional success.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience, including 5 years leading multi-disciplinary teams in designing, developing, and deploying transformative solutions.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Pharmaceutical experience with an understanding of processes critical to pharma innovation in a cross-functional setting (R&D, Medical, Commercial).

• Familiarity with modern AI and data science approaches, including GenAI (LLMs, LMMs, agents), supervised classification, and knowledge graphs.

• Effective leadership in a matrixed environment with excellent interpersonal skills and a proven track record of presenting to executive levels.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Master’s degree in public health, Health Informatics, AI/ML, Business Administration with a major in related technological or innovation fields.

• Experience in Pharma - Diagnostics or Precision Medicine fields.

• Biotech/Healthtech experience.

At AstraZeneca's Alexion division, you'll find an environment where work transcends the ordinary. Our commitment to rare diseases means embracing a unique opportunity to innovate and expand our reach. With a rapidly growing portfolio, you'll enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit of a leading biotech while being supported by exceptional leaders. Our culture celebrates diversity and innovation, empowering you to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Here, your career is not just a path but a journey toward making a difference where it truly counts.

If you're ready to be part of a team that is redefining healthcare innovation, we invite you to apply today!

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.