Global Head of AI-Driven R&D & Strategy

eResearch Technology Inc; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Clario, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, seeks a Head of Research & Development to shape long-term engineering strategy and lead global R&D efforts focusing on AI/ML integration across platforms. You will guide architecture, roadmaps, and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, AI-driven clinical trial solutions.

You will oversee budget, talent, and regulatory compliance while driving innovation, quality, and patient outcomes in a fast-paced, enterprise environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an IT-related, scientific, or technical field.
• 15+ years leading enterprise-level R&D organizations or large-scale strategic technology programs.
• Proven experience managing Agile with a focus on MLOps and CI/CD for AI.
• Extensive cloud experience (AWS/Azure) with cloud-native AI/ML services.
• Strong background in regulated environments and data privacy (GDPR/HIPAA).
• Demonstrated success in leading geographically diverse teams and programs.
• Knowledge of enterprise solution architecture and information security standards for AI.
• Experience in life sciences, clinical trials, or regulated industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define product architecture, company vision, and long-term technical strategy, prioritizing AI-driven modernization across the platform.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable global R&D roadmaps, identifying opportunities for Generative AI and predictive modeling.
• Lead global, multidisciplinary software development and engineering test teams to deliver AI/ML-enabled solutions.
• Balance innovation with operational excellence by maintaining existing platforms while expanding AI-augmented offerings.
• Own global R&D budget planning and resource management, ensuring investment in AI infrastructure and data science talent.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on technical excellence and ethical AI in clinical settings.
• Oversee administrative R&D functions including talent acquisition and training.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs/SWIs and regulatory adherence for AI-enabled medical software.
• Act as senior escalation point with customers, Operations, and Engineering to refine AI model performance.
• Provide transparent reporting on delivery status, risk, ROI of AI/ML initiatives.
• Build strategic relationships with technology partners and vendors to enhance internal AI capabilities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Agile methodologies

AI/ML in production

MLOps/CI-CD for AI

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Regulated environments knowledge

Data privacy knowledge (GDPR/HIPAA)

Strategic technology leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/science/technical field

Tools

SageMaker

Azure AI

Job description

Clario, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, seeks a Head of Research & Development to shape long-term engineering strategy and lead global R&D efforts focusing on AI/ML integration across platforms. You will guide architecture, roadmaps, and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, AI-driven clinical trial solutions.

You will oversee budget, talent, and regulatory compliance while driving innovation, quality, and patient outcomes in a fast-paced, enterprise environment.