Program Manager - AI Transformation in Life Sciences Testing & Validation

Cognizant; Juneau (AK); Remote; USD 116,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays, PTO

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Cognizant in the United States is seeking a Program Manager - AI Transformation in Life Sciences Testing & Validation to lead enterprise-scale testing and validation programs across pharma and life sciences. You will collaborate with regulatory, QA, and technology partners to ensure compliant, audit-ready solutions.

The role emphasizes governance, risk management, and executive reporting, with a focus on AI-enabled testing, CSA, and CSV practices in regulated environments. Remote US-based.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Testing, Quality Engineering, and Validation within pharma or life sciences.
• 5+ years in leadership or management roles.
• Expertise in CSV, CSA, GxP, FDA/EMA, 21 CFR Part 11, and GAMP 5.
• Experience leading large-scale testing programs in regulated environments.
• Strong stakeholder governance, risk management, and project delivery.
• Knowledge of ALM/Test Management tools.
• Experience validating AI/ML-enabled solutions.
• Experience defining risk-based testing for COTS, configured, and customized systems.
• Excellent communication and executive reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end testing and validation programs across multiple systems.
• Develop and execute validation strategies for regulated environments.
• Drive governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and program reporting.
• Promote test automation and AI-enabled testing while staying compliant.
• Partner with stakeholders to keep systems compliant and audit-ready.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Quality Engineering

Validation

Test strategy

AI/ML testing

Communication

Executive reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

ALM/Test Management tools

Job description

About the role

As a Program Manager - AI Transformation in Life Sciences Testing & Validation, you will make an impact by leading enterprise-scale testing and validation programs across pharmaceutical and life sciences organizations. You will be a valued member of the Quality Engineering & Assurance team and work collaboratively with business stakeholders, regulatory teams, project leaders, validation specialists, and technology partners to ensure high-quality, compliant, and audit-ready solutions.

In this role, you will:

Lead end-to-end testing and validation programs across multiple systems and workstreams, ensuring alignment with quality, compliance, and business objectives.

Develop and execute validation and testing strategies supporting regulated environments, digital transformation initiatives, and Computer Software Assurance (CSA) adoption.

Drive governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and program reporting to ensure successful delivery of testing outcomes.

Guide the adoption of test automation, AI-enabled testing, and modern quality engineering practices while maintaining compliance with GxP regulations and validation standards.

Partner with business, quality, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure systems supporting clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, and digital operations remain compliant, validated, and audit-ready.

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a Remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations .

What you need to have to be considered

15+ years of experience in Testing, Quality Engineering, and Validatio n within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry, including 5+ years in leadership or management roles.

Deep expertise in Computer System Validation (CSV) , Computer Software Assurance (CSA), GxP regulations, FDA and EMA requirements, 21 CFR Part 11, and GAMP 5.

Proven experience leading large-scale testing and validation programs across clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, quality, or digital platforms in regulated environments.

Strong stakeholder management, governance, risk management, resource planning, and project delivery experience.

Knowledge of ALM/Test Management tools and experience supporting digital transformation initiatives.

Experience validating AI/ML-enabled solutions with consideration for model accuracy, bias, explainability, drift, and revalidation requirements.

Experience defining risk-based testing and validation strategies for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), configured, and customized systems.

Excellent communication, leadership, and executive reporting skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.

These will help you stand out

Experience implementing or driving Computer Software Assurance (CSA) transformations within pharmaceutical organizations.

Exposure to test automation frameworks and quality engineering practices in regulated environments.

Knowledge of AI-enabled testing capabilities, including AI-assisted test design, self-healing automation, and defect prediction technologies.

Certifications such as PMP, ISTQB, or relevant Quality, Validation, or Regulatory Compliance credentials.

Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience supporting the transition from paper-based validation processes to digital ALM and test management platforms.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $116,100 to $183,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.