Executive Director, Data Sciences & Quantitative Biology

Job Title: Executive Director Data Sciences & Quantitative Biology

Location(s): Gothenburg (Sweden), Cambridge (UK)

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead a global data sciences and quantitative biology capability? As the Executive Director, you will provide Data and AI leadership across several specialist areas worldwide. You will develop strategic plans that support our cross-functional strategy and business agenda. This role offers the opportunity to deliver innovative and effective solutions globally, making a strong contribution to the overall Discovery Sciences strategy.

Accountabilities

The role is accountable for collaborating with therapy area leadership and drug discovery project teams across AstraZeneca to develop data science strategies for drug discovery. Leading a department of over 60 scientific experts located in Cambridge, Gothenburg, Gaithersburg, and Boston, this includes responsibilities in data management and AI, target identification and validation data sciences, preclinical biostatistics, small molecule and oligonucleotide hit discovery to candidate data sciences, and information technology and data sciences improvement projects. The position is also tasked with developing a vision for science and technology improvement, driving innovation, scientific excellence, and external visibility through internal development, external collaborations, publications, and conference presentations.

Additionally, the role involves crafting a balanced scorecard of key performance metrics and SLAs to ensure quality capability aligned with business objectives. It includes recruiting, retaining, and developing staff to build a world-class organization passionate about continuous improvement. The position leads strategic initiatives and change projects, actively participates in the Discovery Sciences Leadership Team, and represents Discovery Sciences on cross-organizational teams to deliver the AstraZeneca portfolio. This involves managing key stakeholders, balancing demand with capacity, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety, health, environment, quality, and compliance standards, while supporting ongoing change and risk management.

Crucial Skills/Experience

• PhD/Post-doc in quantitative field with >20 years’ experience in a drug discovery environment
• Track record of leading large groups in highly matrixed science and technology-based organizations and evidence of ability to shape groups to the needs of the business
• A proven scientific track record of innovation and delivery within the field of drug discovery as well as data sciences
• Validated ability to create new research strategies to drive organizational success
• Extensive experience providing data science capabilities to drug discovery projects
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain customer relationships with scientific and leadership teams at local and remote research sites, and to initiate and successfully deliver value from external collaborations
• Significant experience in project management, change management, and/or implementation of process optimization approaches
• Proven ability to recruit, retain, and develop people to build a world-class organization
• Broad industrial and academic network with key stakeholders and innovation leaders internationally
• Excellent communication skills
• Influencing skills of the highest order

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Extensive knowledge of AstraZeneca business objectives that are related to R&D.
• Experience in Oncology, CVRM, and/or R&I drug discovery
• Experience in complex global organizations

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.

AstraZeneca is where science meets data to develop bold solutions. We seek the best solutions using cutting-edge methodologies to drive scientific breakthroughs. Our high-exposure roles shape end deliverables across all Therapy Areas. We embrace global opportunities with a supportive yet challenging approach that fosters an inspiring learning environment. Every setback is seen as a chance to improve, pushing us towards groundbreaking solutions.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!