Digital Technology Lead for Information Architecture

UCB S.A.; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

UCB S.A. is seeking a Digital Technology Lead for Information Architecture to design global data foundations across R&D. You will co-design architecture, lead transformative projects, and ensure data are FAIR, reusable, and AI-ready.

The role spans Slough, Windlesham, Belgium, and the USA, with a hybrid model to connect science and technology. You will collaborate with scientists, data governance, and IT teams to deliver scalable data platforms, metadata governance, and innovative data solutions

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a scientific or technology field.
• Good knowledge of biology, chemistry, pharmacy, bioengineering or related sciences.
• Hands‑on experience with databricks/snowflake configuration/pipeline implementation and data catalogues.
• Experience in information architecture design for global digitalization programs in a research context.
• Knowledge of ELNs, entity & sample registries, modeling & analytics, and integration into a data foundation architecture.
• Understanding of scientific data formats, metadata governance and data modelling.
• Experience applying AI-driven approaches to data or metadata management.
• Strong understanding of structured and unstructured data management.
• Ability to bridge research and technology with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Co-design the information architecture for our global research and early development org, ensuring data are FAIR and ALCOA+.
• Lead a digital transformation project portfolio to deliver a scalable data foundation for R&D to deliver AI-ready data products.
• Implement scalable metadata management technologies to improve data quality, lineage, and discoverability.
• Oversee system interdependencies, scale transversal solutions, and ensure compliant operations.
• Interact with scientists and data owners across the R&D org while collaborating with transversal DT colleagues.
• Define the digital technology roadmap for Patient Solutions and accelerate transformation.

Skills

Databricks

Snowflake

Data Catalogues

Information Architecture

Data Modeling

AI in Data Management

Metadata Governance

Data Management

ELN Integration

Laboratory Information Systems

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in science/tech

Biology/ Chemistry/ Pharmacy / Bioengineering knowledge

Job description

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for aDigital Technology Lead for Information Architecture,who is collaborative, curious, and proactive to join us in our Digital Technology Patient Solutions team, based in Slough, UK (Windlesham, Surrey from 2027), Braine l’Alleud, Belgium or Boston, USA.

About the role:

You will be working in a Digital Technology team that designs and delivers technology solutions for Patient Solutions, UCB’s research and early development (R&eD) department. You connect scientific needs with robust, compliant technology, leading complex data architecture initiatives from strategy through delivery in a matrix organization. You will design information architectures and solutions, drive technology innovation and contribute to the redesign of our research data foundation. Your digital project portfolio accelerates research & early development, and ultimately has a positive impact on the lives of patients worldwide.

Who you’ll work with:

You will be working in a global and multidisciplinary team alongside research scientists, technology specialists, data governance colleagues, and external partners. You will engage with stakeholders across science and technology to understand needs, clarify requirements, and translate opportunities into practical, scalable solutions. You will collaborate with enterprise IT services for operations, compliance, and support, and you will help unite diverse teams to share innovation and accelerate delivery in a supportive, inclusive environment.

What you’ll do:

• Co-design the information architecture for our global research and early development organization, ensuring data are FAIR and ALCOA+.
• Lead a digital transformation project portfolio to deliver a scalable data foundation for UCB’s R&eD organization to deliver re-usable and AI-ready data products for the entire company.
• Implement scalable metadata management technologies to improve data quality, lineage, and discoverability
• Oversee system interdependencies, scale transversal solutions, and ensure compliant operations.
• Interact closely with scientists and data owners across our global R&eD organization, while maintaining equally close interactions with your transversal DT colleagues.
• Follow emerging technologies closely and participate in defining the (digital) technology roadmap for Patient Solutions and accelerate digital transformation

Interested? For this role we’re looking for the following education, experience and skills:

• Master’s or PhD degree in a scientific or technology field; good knowledge of biology, chemistry, pharmacy, bioengineering or related sciences
• Deep IT technical expertise in designing data foundation environments with the latest technologies. Mandatory hands‑on experience with databricks/snowflake configuration/pipeline implementation and data catalogues.
• Experience in information architecture design for global digitalization programs in a research and early development context. Good understanding of advanced scientific and laboratory information systems (ELNs, entity & sample registries, modeling & analytics, …), and experience with integrating these in a data foundation architecture.
• Good understanding of scientific data formats and types, data management, metadata governance and data modelling
• Experience applying AI-driven approaches to data or metadata management
• Strong understanding of structured and unstructured data management
• Understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnological research, ability to bridge research and technology with clear communication towards scientific and IT-technical stakeholders
• Curious and innovative mindset with a positive ‘can do’ attitude

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.