Associate Director, R&D Data and AI Policy

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an Associate Director of Data and AI Policy to lead the transformation within the R&D Data Office. Your role will involve overseeing data and AI risk governance, ensuring compliance while driving scientific innovation, and shaping policies for responsible data use. This integral position offers a chance to create significant impact through pioneering projects, in a dynamic environment focused on data-driven excellence.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in data and AI governance and risk within life sciences or pharma.
• Operational understanding of legal & ethical use of AI.
• Willingness to travel domestically & internationally.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operationalization of the AI Governance framework.
• Manage the data and AI risk framework, ensuring regular reporting of risks.
• Develop a culture of data and AI compliance.

Skills

Data and AI governance

Risk management

Communication

Project management

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information/Data Science

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in IT

Job description

Are you ready to lead a transformation in the R&D Data Office? We're on a mission to double the productivity of our R&D drug development pipeline by 2030, using data and AI to drive scientific innovation and accelerate decision-making. As the Associate Director of Data and AI Policy, you'll be at the forefront of this change, ensuring responsible use of data and AI while safeguarding patient data and meeting regulatory obligations. Your leadership will shape, implement, and manage policies that balance business benefits with risks, enabling responsible data and AI usage.

Accountabilities:

• AI Governance Framework: Oversee the operationalization of the AI Governance framework, including reviewing enterprise-wide AI assessments to identify risks.
• Data & AI Risk Management: Manage the data and AI risk framework, ensuring regular reporting of major and critical risks.
• AI Risk and Compliance Consultancy: Provide consultancy services on data and AI risk and compliance, guiding partners on current policies and best practices.
• Policy Development: Contribute to developing AI policy frameworks, incorporating internal requirements and external influences.
• Lead business enablement projects for data and AI risk evaluation and mitigation.
• Maintain relationships with key partners and stay informed about corporate initiatives, industry standards, and regulations.
• Develop a culture of data and AI compliance within the Data Office and Data Science community.
• Actively contribute to team strategy, goals, and roadmap.
• Serve as a trusted business partner, using creativity to solve challenges and influence to remove barriers.
• Promote AstraZeneca's position in responsible data and AI use externally.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Demonstrated solid experience in data and AI governance and risk within life sciences or pharma.
• Bachelor's degree in Information/Data Science, Computer Science, Informatics, IT, Medical life sciences, legal, compliance, technical, or business field.
• Solid experience in data and AI risk management processes.
• Operational understanding of legal & ethical use of AI.
• Superb communication skills; ability to liaise with people at all levels.
• Energy, experience, and motivation to work across global & functional boundaries.
• Strong project or programme management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills; ability to juggle different projects/priorities under pressure.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically & internationally.
• Resilience in overcoming challenges in a changing environment.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Highly collaborative with experience influencing multi-functional leaders.
• Energised by developing a culture of compliance and continuous learning.
• Demonstrable ability to tackle the unknown with confidence.
• Experience working with IT partners on data-related projects.
• Ability to learn new tools and technologies.
• Change Management track record.

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.

At AstraZeneca, your contributions are valued as part of our shared purpose. Here, you're more than just a supporting unit; you're recognised as a key player driving success. We empower the business to excel forward, impacting patients' lives directly through pioneering science combined with leading digital technology platforms. Join us at this crucial stage as we become a digital and data-led enterprise. With countless opportunities to innovate and grow, you'll be part of a dynamic environment where your ideas can make a real difference.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

18-Jul-2025

Closing Date

01-Aug-2025 Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.