Head of Automation and Digital Science

Are you passionate about transforming the future of pharmaceutical development through cutting-edge automation and data science? Join AstraZeneca as our Head of Automation and Digital Science, where you will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way we manage and use data across our entire Chemical Development portfolio, driving digital innovation that accelerates the creation of life-saving medicines.

Why This Role?

As the Head of Automation and Digital Science, you will not only shape the automation strategy but also pioneer how data is leveraged across the continuum of research, development, and manufacturing. At AstraZeneca, we believe in the power of data as the connective tissue of our operations, and in this role, you will ensure that data flows seamlessly across our business—from lab-based experiments to full-scale production. This is your opportunity to lead transformative change by integrating data management systems that will enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and unlock new insights that drive efficiency and innovation.

Your Impact:

Data-Driven Transformation: Lead the charge in building a robust digital infrastructure that enables seamless data management across the entire chemical development lifecycle. You will be responsible for designing and implementing a unified data strategy, ensuring that data is efficiently captured, shared, and utilized from discovery to manufacturing.

Automation & Data Continuum: Lead the development of end-to-end automation platforms where data flows continuously across different stages—linking high-throughput experimentation (HTE), process development, and scale-up, ensuring real-time insights and predictive analytics inform

every phase of the process.

Data Architecture Leadership: Shape and refine AstraZeneca’s operational data frameworks and information architecture. You will ensure that data from various sources—process engineering, computational chemistry, and lab systems—is harmonized into a unified digital ecosystem that supports smarter, faster decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with IT, data scientists, and global engineering teams to develop and refine AstraZeneca’s reference architectures and modular automation systems. Your leadership will be critical in aligning data from static sources, like engineering data, with real-time operational insights, ensuring continuity and coherence across the business.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Drive the integration of advanced automation workflows with real-time data capture and analysis, enabling a continuous feedback loop that accelerates decision-making and process optimization.

Ensure seamless data management across AstraZeneca’s chemical development operations, from research to production. You’ll implement best-in-class data models and structures that make data accessible and actionable across teams and platforms.

Shape and execute AstraZeneca’s data continuum strategy, ensuring that data is effectively captured, transformed, and leveraged across all stages of chemical development and manufacturing.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance data frameworks that support long-term digitalization goals, including the “future factory” vision, which leverages data for predictive maintenance and process optimization.

What You Bring:

Proven expertise in data management, information architecture, and digital strategies in a pharmaceutical or chemical development setting.

A deep understanding of how data can be harnessed to drive innovation, from lab automation to enterprise-level data solutions.

Experience in leading cross-functional teams to create a cohesive data ecosystem, ensuring a continuous flow of information across the business.
A visionary mindset, with the ability to create and implement a data strategy that transforms how we develop medicines and enhance process efficiency.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, data is at the heart of everything we do. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to not only lead our automation strategy but also shape the future of data management and digitalization across the business. Join us in building the future of pharmaceutical development—where data seamlessly connects research, development, and manufacturing, enabling breakthroughs that can change lives.

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.

Apply Today and lead the transformation of automation and data science in Chemical Development at AstraZeneca!

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.