Scientific Data and Platforms – Data Product Manager

AstraZeneca’s R&D Data Office is an industry-leading enabler of data and AI strategy. The Data Office provides data services, technology, and data products, supported by data and AI policy and governance, to unlock the value of data that drive innovative science.

The Data Product Manager is based in the Scientific Data Products and Platforms (SDPP) group within the R&D Data Office, which is part of Data Science and AI in AZ R&D. Together with the SDPP Platform Team, the Data Product Manager will advance the SDPP Platform that serves to provide enriched analytics scientific data when and where it is needed. By making the scientific data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR), the Platform enables researchers to make new correlations, better characterize disease, improve patient stratification, supervise therapeutic response and ultimately accelerate the drug development process.

The Data Product Manager plays a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and executing a robust data strategy that ensures scientific data on the platform is managed efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory standards. Acting as a key link between strategic data initiatives and operational execution, this role ensures that data assets are both compliant and value-driven. The individual will lead the design and implementation of innovative data solutions, with a strong focus on data governance, quality assurance, and metadata management.

We are looking for a strategic leader who can align data asset and product planning with broader business goals, making sure data not only meets compliance standards but also drives AstraZeneca’s mission to advance scientific innovation. The Data Product Manager will work closely with scientists, researchers, and IT teams to understand their needs and deliver data products that support leading-edge research. By guiding product roadmaps and managing backlogs with a strong focus on compliance, they will help ensure data remains accurate, trustworthy, and ready to power innovation.

Within this role you are leading the development and implementation of data management practices to ensure that data assets are effectively led throughout their lifecycle. This responsibility entails designing and operationalizing the SDPP Data Product Lifecycle, which encompasses the processes and tools necessary to maintain and improve the quality, integrity, and utility of data products from inception to reuse.

You will effectively engage in strategic projects within the Data Office, providing leadership and direction in establishing high-quality data governance frameworks that align with industry best practices. This will include the development of robust data models and curation rules, enabling seamless data integration and reuse while maintaining the highest standards of data quality.

Accountabilities  

• Lead the Development of the SDPP Data Strategy: Formulate and implement a data strategy that ensures data is run in compliance with AstraZeneca’s standards, supporting efficient data utilization to improve value extraction from data assets.

• New Data Product Identification: See opportunities for new data products that improve data utilization and meet compliance requirements, securing sponsorship and funding to drive these initiatives forward.

• Data Product Planning and delivery: Develop and lead product canvases and roadmaps that integrate data management best practices, ensuring data products are compliant, high-quality, and aligned with strategic objectives.

• Governance and Approval Processes: Navigate data products through compliance with Data Office (DO) governance approval processes, ensuring adherence to data management standards.

• Strategic Leadership in Data Office Projects: Provide leadership in strategic Data Office projects, focusing on data governance, quality assurance, and compliance.

• Develop and Implement Data asset/product Lifecycle: Establish and operationalize a comprehensive data product lifecycle framework that guides data management from creation through to retirement, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and compliance requirements.

• Matrix Management: Lead the Data Lead and set priorities for our IT colleagues to execute the data product vision and strategy, ensuring strong data management and compliance practices are embedded throughout.

• Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure that data product development is in strict compliance with established standards, governance policies, and industry best practices, focusing on maximizing data value and integrity.

• Reporting and Progress Tracking: Report on progress against the SDPP data product roadmap, with a rigorous focus on compliance, data management practices, and value metrics.

• Oversee Data Curation and Harmonization: Lead data curation efforts to ensure data is harmonized and integrated effectively across the platform, supporting multimodality data integration and reuse.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure the quality, integrity, and compliance of data within products, implementing rigorous measures to guarantee accuracy, reliability, and maximum data value.

• Collaborating with scientists, researchers, and other team members to gather comprehensive requirements, ensuring data products meet compliance standards.

• Run Data Domain Working Groups: Lead domain working groups with support from the SDPP Data Lead, driving collaboration and innovation in data management, ensuring compliance and maximizing data value.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

Essential

• Relevant degree in Information/Data Science, Computer Science, Informatics, IT, or other related field.

• Track record of significant data project delivery with demonstration of clear scientific and/or operational value

• Significant experience working with scientific data (eg omics, imaging, biomarker etc)

• Understanding of data standards, FAIR principles, data models, ontologies and taxonomies to improve data integration

• Hands-on experience from Agile development, preferably in a business context.

• Senior data leadership

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships.

• Conflict resolution: succeeding in situations where a high degree of business acumen, influencing and tact are required to find a way forward.

• Needs the energy, experience, and motivation to work across global & functional boundaries.

• Travel – willingness and ability to travel domestically & internationally.

• Resilience – ability to overcome and empower others in the face of a changing environment

Desirable:  

• Experience in life sciences

• Technical skills (eg python, R) to support data wrangling and curation efforts.

• Knowledge of Drug Discovery and Development practice in BioPharma

• Strong Change Management track record.

• Experience project manager with a great understanding of the project phase and the connection between classic project management and Agile ways of working.

• Experience of running project in a GxP regulated environment

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash ambitious thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by a shared purpose: to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. This purpose underpins everything we do; our work helps to make hearts race, lets people breathe, and makes a difference to people’s lives all over the world.

Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table? Apply now and let's explore the future together.

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.