AI Lead - Drug Discovery and Development

2w2 weeks ago

AstraZeneca

Boston, US · Full-time · $203,213 – $304,820

About this role

AstraZeneca seeks a visionary AI leader to shape and implement the AI strategy across R&D, from early research and preclinical work to clinical development. Partner closely with R&D teams to translate scientific challenges into actionable AI opportunities. Accelerate pipeline productivity and advance transformative medicines for patients with rare diseases.

Lead the design, development, and adoption of sophisticated AI/ML capabilities to elevate target discovery, optimize trial design and execution, and strengthen data-driven decision making. Unlock new scientific insights across the R&D lifecycle. Blend deep technical expertise with strong product thinking, scientific competence, and exceptional partner leadership.

Identify and prioritize business-aligned AI opportunities, defining the multi-year AI strategy and roadmap. Govern the portfolio from proof-of-concept through validation to scaled products with clear stage gates and success metrics. Act as product owner for AI solutions like target ID, compound optimization, and clinical decision support.

Thrive in a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking, and innovation. Balance personal and work commitments with individualized flexibility, engaging face-to-face in offices 3 days a week. Join the exciting move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026, putting patients at the forefront.

Requirements

Visionary AI leadership to shape R&D AI strategy
Deep technical expertise in AI/ML for drug discovery applications
Strong product thinking for AI solutions in biotech
Scientific competence in early research, preclinical, and clinical development
Exceptional partner leadership with R&D and external collaborators
Ability to translate scientific challenges into AI opportunities
Expertise in data-driven decision making across R&D lifecycle
Knowledge of AI for target discovery, trial design, and rare disease innovation

Responsibilities

Shape and implement AI strategy across R&D organization spanning early research, preclinical, and clinical development
Translate scientific challenges into actionable AI opportunities to accelerate pipeline productivity
Lead design, development, and adoption of AI/ML capabilities for target discovery and trial optimization
Identify and prioritize business-aligned AI opportunities and define multi-year AI strategy and roadmap
Govern AI portfolio from proof-of-concept through validation to scaled products with stage gates and metrics
Act as product owner for AI solutions including target ID, compound optimization, and decision support
Serve as primary interface between R&D teams, data scientists, and external AI partners
Oversee delivery of AI solutions with internal teams and partners, setting problem statements and adoption thresholds

Benefits

Collaborative culture with knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking, and innovation
Individualized flexibility to balance personal and work commitments
3 days a week face-to-face in collaboration-designed offices
Opportunity to work across teams, functions, and globe
Patients at forefront with move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026