Executive Director, R&D Advanced Analytics, Automation, and AI Lead

CSL Behring; Taplow; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking an R&D Advanced Analytics, Automation, and AI Lead to drive digital acceleration initiatives. This role requires a Master's or PhD and at least 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry. You will lead cross-functional teams, identify disruptive technologies, and ensure digital solutions are compliant with regulatory standards. Competitive benefits include health care and financial protection from day one.

Benefits

Health care

Financial protection

Wellbeing resources

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in digital leadership or advanced analytics/AI roles within R&D-driven pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience delivering AI-enabled tools in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of life sciences and experience applying AI/ML in scientific or regulatory domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the R&D digital acceleration roadmap focused on automation, AI, and advanced analytics.
• Identify disruptive technologies and use cases.
• Partner with stakeholders to develop scalable, production-ready digital solutions.

Skills

Digital leadership

Advanced analytics

AI/ML applications

Cross-functional collaboration

Change leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science, Engineering, or Computer Science

Job description

The Position: The R&D Advanced Analytics, Automation, and AI Lead is responsible for executing the R&D digital acceleration roadmap, with a primary focus on delivering business value through advanced and emerging technologies. In close collaboration with I&T, this role oversees the design, development, and deployment of analytics, automation, and AI/ML solutions across the R&D value chain. The leader partners with RDLT, TES LT, I&T, and external innovation ecosystems to identify and apply disruptive technologies that enable measurable transformation. Acting as a strategic bridge between R&D and I&T, this role ensures digital acceleration initiatives are technically robust, operationally impactful, and fully aligned with enterprise architecture and capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the R&D digital acceleration roadmap focused on automation, AI, and advanced analytics
• Identify disruptive technologies and use cases (e.g., generative AI, intelligent automation, simulation, digital twins)
• Partner with business stakeholders to develop scalable, production‑ready digital solutions
• Lead agile teams to develop models, tools, and platforms aligned with R&D needs
• Drive rapid experimentation and innovation, ensuring feasibility, compliance, and user adoption
• Establish metrics to measure the impact of digital interventions on cycle times, quality, and outcomes
• Oversee partnerships with AI/ML vendors, academic collaborators, and industry consortia
• Build internal capabilities and talent pipelines for digital and analytics functions
• Ensure that all AI, automation, and advanced analytics solutions are implemented in a compliant manner, supporting readiness for regulatory audits and inspections involving emerging technologies
• Provide thought leadership in AI, including the development and implementation of AI governance frameworks, ethical AI practices, and active engagement with industry consortia such as Pistoia Alliance, CIOMS, TransCelerate, and other relevant forums to shape standards and best practices

Education & Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields
• 15+ years of experience in digital leadership or advanced analytics/AI roles within R&D‑driven pharmaceutical industry
• Deep knowledge of life sciences and experience applying AI/ML and automation in scientific or regulatory domains
• Demonstrated ability to deliver AI‑enabled tools in regulated environments
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration and change leadership skills
• Expertise in digital product lifecycle, from experimentation to scale
• Experience supporting regulatory audits and inspections involving emerging technologies, including AI and automation, in a GxP or highly regulated environment

Benefits

CSL employees that work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for benefits effective day 1. We are committed to the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. CSL offers resources and benefits, from health care to financial protection, so you can focus on doing work that matters. Our benefits are designed to support the needs of our employees at every stage of their life.