Director, AI Science Strategy & Innovation

About AISI

AI Strategy & Innovation (AISI) sits at the centre of AstraZeneca's R&D AI transformation. Our remit is to identify, develop and scale AI capabilities that accelerate scientific discovery, improve pipeline decisions and transform how R&D operates across Discovery, Translational Science, Biomarkers and Clinical Development. Based on the source Senior Director role, AISI acts as the connector between AI research, business priorities, external partnerships and scientific delivery.   

We are looking for an exceptional individual who can operate comfortably across science, technology and business. This is not a traditional strategy role, nor a pure research role. It is designed for someone who combines scientific credibility, quantitative rigor, intellectual curiosity and commercial awareness to help shape the future of AI-enabled drug development.  

The Role

This role sits at the intersection of AI, life sciences and strategy. 

You will work with scientists, AI researchers, engineers and senior business leaders to identify where emerging AI capabilities can create meaningful impact across AstraZeneca's R&D portfolio. You will assess opportunities, develop strategic recommendations, support external partnerships and help translate cutting-edge science into practical business outcomes. 

Success in this role requires someone who is equally comfortable discussing machine learning approaches, evaluating scientific opportunities and developing persuasive business cases.  

You'll be expected to learn rapidly, challenge assumptions, synthesize complex information and help senior stakeholders navigate an increasingly dynamic AI landscape.  

We are particularly interested in candidates who have built careers that span multiple domains, combining scientific research excellence with exposure to strategic problem-solving, innovation, investment evaluation, technology assessment or external partnering.  

What You Will Own

Identify High-Impact AI Opportunities

Develop a deep understanding of scientific priorities across AstraZeneca R&D and identify opportunities where AI can accelerate decision-making, improve productivity or unlock novel scientific insights. 

Assess emerging AI technologies and determine where they can create meaningful value rather than simply technical novelty. 

Shape Strategic Recommendations

Conduct strategic analyses covering AI technologies, competitive landscapes, scientific trends and innovation opportunities. 

Support the development of recommendations that inform investment decisions, capability development and portfolio priorities. 

Translate complex technical and scientific information into clear, actionable insights for senior leaders. 

Connect Science, AI and Business

Act as a bridge between scientific experts, technical specialists and business stakeholders. 

Help stakeholders understand both the potential and limitations of modern AI approaches and support informed decision-making. 

Build credibility through curiosity, rigorous analysis and deep understanding rather than formal authority. 

Support External Innovation and Partnerships

Identify and evaluate opportunities to collaborate with academic institutions, AI-native companies, technology vendors and emerging biotechnology organisations. 

Support partnership assessments, technology evaluations and innovation initiatives that strengthen AstraZeneca's AI ecosystem. 

Monitor the External Landscape

Track developments across AI, biotechnology, computational biology and adjacent scientific fields. 

Provide insights on competitive activity, emerging technologies and opportunities that could shape AstraZeneca's future AI strategy. 

Communicate with Influence

Develop compelling presentations, briefing documents and strategic narratives for leadership audiences. 

Communicate complex scientific and technical concepts in ways that inform, engage and influence diverse stakeholders.  

What You Bring

Essential

• PhD in a quantitative, computational, mathematical, engineering, physical sciences or life sciences discipline. 

• Demonstrated experience developing or applying advanced computational, AI, machine learning or mathematical approaches to solve complex scientific problems. 

• Track record of leading independent research programmes, analytical projects or innovation initiatives from concept through execution. 

• Ability to move seamlessly between scientific, technical and commercial discussions. 

• Experience translating highly technical concepts into strategic recommendations for decision-makers. 

• Strong understanding of modern AI and machine learning approaches, including foundation models, generative AI, probabilistic modelling or related technologies. 

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders in research, technology, academic, commercial or innovation environments. 

• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. 

• Exceptional learning agility, intellectual curiosity and ability to rapidly build expertise in unfamiliar domains. 

• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes without direct authority. 

• Research experience at the intersection of AI, machine learning, mathematics, computational science and biology. 

• Publication of scientific research in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentation at international conferences. 

• Experience contributing to successful grant applications, research funding initiatives or investment cases. 

• Experience evaluating scientific, technological or innovation opportunities. 

• Exposure to strategy consulting, business analysis, venture investing, technology diligence or corporate innovation activities. 

• Experience establishing collaborations between academic institutions, technology organisations and industry partners. 

• Experience building external networks and developing partnership opportunities. 

• Experience mentoring students, researchers or technical colleagues. 

Desirable

• Understanding of drug discovery, translational science, biomarkers, computational biology or related R&D disciplines. 

• Familiarity with multimodal biological data, omics technologies, digital biology or AI-enabled scientific research. 

• Experience working within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare or deep-tech environments. 

• International experience across academic, scientific or commercial settings. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.