Senior Director, R&D Enterprise Data (Architecture/Information)

Join AstraZeneca’s Enterprise Data Office (EDO) as the Senior Director, R&D Enterprise Data (Architecture/Information). In this strategic leadership role, you will define the vision, operating model, and standards for enterprise information architecture across R&D and the wider AstraZeneca enterprise. You will set direction for ontologies, semantic models, and knowledge graphs that enable AI-ready data, FAIR principles, and interoperable data products—powering discovery, development, and delivery. Partnering with R&D IT and business leaders, you will influence investment decisions, establish governance, and drive adoption of data-centric architecture at enterprise scale.

You will collaborate across Heads of IT, Business Partners, Enterprise and Solution Architecture, Data Offices (R&D & EDO), and R&D functions to embed enterprise information architecture into strategy, roadmaps, and value realization.

Accountabilities

• Enterprise information strategy: Define and own the R&D enterprise information architecture strategy, standards, and policies—covering ontologies, semantic modeling, knowledge graphs, metadata, and canonical models—to enable AI-ready, FAIR, and interoperable data.
• Ontology leadership: Set enterprise direction for ontology strategy (domain ontologies, taxonomies, vocabularies), guiding how R&D knowledge is represented and connected across platforms and products.
• Semantic and graph vision: Establish the strategic approach for semantic layers and graph-based knowledge representation, ensuring knowledge graphs underpin analytics, decisioning, and AI/ML use cases.
• FAIR, TRUST and Data Mesh alignment: Champion FAIR/TRUST data and align information architecture with the Data Mesh operating model, defining standards for data products, discoverability, and interoperability.
• Master and reference data governance: Shape and govern master and reference data strategies, ensuring R&D requirements are embedded in enterprise models, stewardship, and quality frameworks.
• Policy, compliance, and risk: Oversee policies for ethical, compliant, and secure data use (including privacy and GxP considerations), integrating information architecture with data governance and risk management.
• Architectural standards and adoption: Set reference architectures and design patterns for data platforms and integrations across hybrid cloud; drive adoption through executive sponsorship, funding models, and accountability.
• Stakeholder influence and value: Partner with senior R&D leaders, across IT and the Data Office, to prioritize investments and measure outcomes, linking information architecture to scientific acceleration, operational excellence, and patient impact.
• Leadership and talent development: Lead and develop a high-performing team of information architecture leaders; foster a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration, and delivery excellence.

Essential skills/experience

• Strategic thought leadership: + 7 years demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale information/data architecture strategy and governance in complex, global organizations.
• Pharma R&D domain knowledge: Experience engaging across R&D lifecycle domains (e.g., discovery, translational science, clinical development, safety, regulatory, real-world evidence) at a strategic level.
• Master/reference data governance: Leadership embedding R&D needs into enterprise master and reference data strategies, stewardship, and operating models.
• Regulatory and governance: Strong understanding of information/data governance frameworks and regulatory environments (e.g., GxP, privacy, data ethics), with experience integrating policy into architecture practice.
• Influence and executive communication: Ability to engage C-suite and senior scientific leaders, set clear direction, secure investment, and demonstrate value through outcomes and metrics.
• Team leadership: Track record building and mentoring senior architecture talent and leading cross-functional teams; skilled in org design and change management.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, or related field.

Desirable skills

• Advanced degree: Post-graduate degree in MIS, Data Management, Knowledge Engineering, or related domain.
• FAIR, TRUST and Data Mesh leadership: Expertise driving adoption of FAIR principles and aligning information architecture with Data Mesh concepts and data product governance.
• Ontology and semantics oversight: Executive-level experience setting direction for ontologies, semantic modeling, and knowledge representation; familiarity with how knowledge graphs enable enterprise insight and AI.
• AI-ready data strategy: Proven ability to establish standards and operating models that make data AI-ready (semantic consistency, metadata, lineage, quality, interoperability).
• Enterprise methods: Familiarity with enterprise architecture and data management frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DAMA-DMBOK, SAFe) and model-driven approaches.
• Enterprise delivery experience: Experience overseeing large-scale information architecture programs that have delivered measurable business outcomes.

Why AstraZeneca

• Shape science with data: Architect how data and knowledge accelerate medicines—your strategy will unify R&D knowledge and unlock AI-driven insights.
• Lead semantic transformation: Set the enterprise direction for ontologies, semantic modeling, and knowledge graphs to create an AI-ready, FAIR/TRUST data ecosystem.
• Executive impact: Operate at enterprise scale with strong sponsorship and visibility; influence investment and outcomes across global R&D.
• Collaborative environment: Partner with world-class scientists, engineers, and product leaders committed to transforming data into life-changing medicines.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire 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.

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.