Head Of Ophthalmology Precision Medicine

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; Welwyn; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is building a new Ophthalmology Precision Medicine group at its Welwyn site, bringing together biomarkers, advanced imaging, clinical science and AI. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new function from the ground up within pRED Ophthalmology, providing platform, pipeline and resources for innovative research.

You will lead a cross-functional team spanning translational medicine, imaging, clinical development, data science and biomarkers, ensuring precision medicine is at the heart of

Qualifications

• Board-certified ophthalmologist (MD or MD/PhD) with deep expertise in ophthalmology, translational medicine, or biomedical sciences.
• Recognised expert in retina with strong scientific publications and KOL standing.
• Experience with ophthalmic imaging technologies (OCT, OCT-A, FA) and imaging analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead a new Ophthalmology Precision Medicine function from vision to structure.
• Direct a cross-functional team across translational medicine, imaging, clinical development, data science, and biomarkers.
• Steer generation of fluid- and imaging biomarker strategies to inform decisions.
• Advance imaging innovation with OCT, OCT-A, and FA to guide clinical practice and development.

Skills

Ophthalmology

Translational medicine

AI in imaging

Leadership

Job description

About Roche

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

Within Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), our Ophthalmology teams are redefining how precision medicine can transform the detection and treatment of complex retinal diseases. This is a rare opportunity to build a new function from the ground up - establishing an Ophthalmology Precision Medicine group at our Welwyn site that brings together biomarker science, advanced imaging, clinical expertise, and artificial intelligence. You will have the platform, pipeline, and resources to shape something truly new in one of the most dynamic areas of ophthalmic research.

The Opportunity

• Build a new Ophthalmology Precision Medicine function from the ground up - defining the vision, structure, and scientific direction for a group that integrates biomarkers, advanced imaging, clinical science, and AI across the pRED Ophthalmology portfolio.
• Lead a cross-functional expert team spanning translational medicine, imaging, clinical development, data science, and biomarker disciplines - ensuring precision medicine is at the heart of our Ophthalmology strategy.
• Bridge laboratory science and clinical practice by steering the generation of robust fluid- and imaging biomarker strategies that enable project and disease area decisions.
• Advance innovation in imaging science by directing cutting-edge ophthalmic imaging approaches including OCT, OCT-A, and FA to inform future clinical practice and therapeutic development.
• Enable translational insights through AI and data by integrating preclinical and clinical datasets using classical and next-generation analytical approaches.
• Influence portfolio strategy across multiple retinal diseases including neovascular AMD, diabetic macular edema, geographic atrophy, and intermediate AMD - driving the direction and future of clinical development and research.
• Represent Roche externally through strong partnerships with scientific experts, investigators, and the broader ophthalmology community - remaining at the forefront of innovation.

Who you are

• You are a board-certified ophthalmologist (MD or MD/PhD) with deep expertise in ophthalmology, translational medicine, or biomedical sciences.
• You are a recognised expert in the retina space, with a strong scientific publication record and standing as a key opinion leader in your field.
• You have deep knowledge of ophthalmic imaging technologies (OCT, OCT-A, FA) and experience with imaging analysis or Reading Centre environments.
• You are experienced in integrating preclinical and clinical data to support proof of biology, efficacy, and safety strategies, with some exposure to clinical trials.
• You are a collaborative scientific leader who thrives in matrix environments, energised by innovation and the opportunity to build something new.

Preferred

• Experience applying AI or machine learning to ophthalmic imaging analysis or clinical data interpretation.
• Prior experience in pharmaceutical drug development programmes for retinal diseases.
• Flexible working arrangements may be available for exceptional candidates who wish to maintain some clinical activity alongside this role.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100,000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact. Let's build a healthier future, together.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Roche Products Ltd. At Roche Products we believe diversity drives innovation and we are committed to building a diverse and flexible working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability or age. We recognise the importance of flexible working and will review all applicants' requests with care. At Roche difference is valued and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work.