Director Model Governance

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking a Director of Model Governance in Macclesfield. This role focuses on leading the development of modelling standards and governance protocols. The ideal candidate should have a PhD and extensive experience in process modelling and simulation within regulated environments. This position offers a competitive salary and a flexible working arrangement, encouraging collaboration and innovation within the team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible employee benefits fund

Pension contributions

Share Save Plans

Performance recognition scheme

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field required.
• Experience in regulated environments is essential.
• Skills in leadership and stakeholder engagement are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Lead frameworks for model governance including documentation and verification.
• Collaborate for effective governance protocols.
• Provide leadership to project teams for drug development.

Skills

Process modelling

Simulation techniques

Model lifecycle management

Computational modelling software proficiency

Education

PhD in chemical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related subject

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

Aspen

gPROMS

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Director, Model Governance

Location: Macclesfield (on site 3 days per week)

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

Come and join our AZ team where you will play a role in this exciting period of development!

AstraZeneca’s Digital Science team within Pharmaceutical Technology & Development (PT&D) is committed to advancing innovation and digital excellence in drug development and manufacturing. The Director, Model Governance will lead the development, implementation, and improvement of AstraZeneca’s modelling strategy, ensuring robust governance of computational models across the organization. In this role you will be responsible for building and sustaining modelling standards and aligning new computational technologies with PT&D’s broader scientific and operational objectives. You will collaborate across functions, drive adoption of governance standards, be responsible for the integration of new modelling and simulation tools, and represent AstraZeneca’s interests within the global scientific community.

Responsibilities

• You will implement, adapt and lead frameworks for model governance including documentation, coding, verification
• This includes designing processes for model development, coding, documentation, verification, validation, and lifecycle oversight, in alignment with global best practices and regulatory expectations.
• You will collaborate with internal and external collaborators to ensure governance protocols are well understood and embraced, delivering training, infrastructure, and change management support throughout PT&D.
• In this position, you will evaluate and guide the integration of emerging modelling and simulation technologies into PT&D’s digital ecosystem, ensuring guidelines are in place to enable integration from a governance perspective.
• Resource stewardship is a central aspect, with responsibility for handling licenses, computing infrastructure, and data storage.
• You will provide leadership to project teams, enabling effective, compliant, and impactful use of models in a broad range of drug development and manufacturing projects.
• Active engagement with regulatory networks and scientific associations will be expected, supporting AstraZeneca’s position as a leader in model governance and innovative modelling solutions.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related subject area.
• Extensive experience in process modelling, simulation, and model lifecycle management within a regulated scientific or pharmaceutical environment.
• Deep understanding and experience across a broad spectrum of modelling types and analysis tools, including mechanistic modelling, data-driven approaches, live digital twins and emerging AI technologies
• Ability to design and implement enterprise-scale model governance frameworks for quality, compliance, and traceability.
• Broad understanding of global regulatory expectations and best practices in modelling governance.
• Proficiency with computational modelling and simulation software such as ANSYS Fluent, Aspen, gPROMS, Python and MATLAB.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs, lead change management, and collaborate across business functions.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for stakeholder engagement and external representation.
• Experience integrating new modelling technologies within complex organisational environments.

Desirables

• Experience delivering large-scale digital platforms for modelling and simulation.
• Participation in scientific or regulatory networks and external forums.
• Track record of scientific publication or impactful research contributions.
• Experience leading digital transformation and technical innovation.

In Office Requirement

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.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer!

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Date Posted

22-Jan-2026

Closing Date

07-Feb-2026

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.