Director, IT Business Partner - RDU R&D IT

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 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.

Are you ready to turn AI-ready data and responsible AI into real advantages for scientists and patients? Do you see yourself partnering with R&D leaders to deliver decisions faster and shape how breakthrough medicines are developed?

This role sits at the center of our effort to harness data and AI across the research‑to‑development journey in our rare disease organization within AstraZeneca.

As a senior member of the R&D IT leadership team, you will partner across Research, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and Safety to identify high‑value opportunities, design strategic technology and data roadmaps, and ensure successful execution of differentiating digital, data, and AI initiatives. This includes championing modern data architectures, trusted and well‑governed data products, and scalable platforms that support advanced analytics and Gen‑AI use cases.

You will work regularly with senior R&D leaders, communicating complex technical and AI‑driven concepts with clarity and driving strategic discussions that influence prioritization, investment, and transformation across the R&D value chain. Your role requires a continuous improvement mindset, strong leadership presence, and a passion for elevating how R&D teams discover, develop, and deliver medicines through intelligent, data‑enabled, and AI‑supported capabilities.

• Lead strategy and execution for enabling AI‑ready data across the R&D ecosystem, including the development of standardized data models, governed data products, metadata strategies, and scalable data architectures.
• Partner with R&D data owners, governance bodies, and IT platform teams to ensure data is clean, discoverable, interoperable, and compliant with regulatory expectations to support AI/ML use cases.

• Drive the delivery of AI powered solutions that improve R&D efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance scientific and operational decision making.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement AI and GenAI use cases R&D functions.
• Ensure solutions follow responsible AI practices, appropriate validation approaches, and adherence to compliance and privacy obligations.

• Serve as the primary IT partner to senior leaders across Research, Development, Regulatory, Safety, and Clinical Operations, ensuring technology strategy is directly aligned with functional and enterprise priorities.
• Proactively surface opportunities to leverage digital, data, AI, automation, and advanced analytics to accelerate decision making and scientific/clinical outcomes.

• Shape and prioritize the multi‑year R&D IT portfolio, balancing strategic impact, feasibility, and investment value.
• Lead demand intake and evaluation processes across all R&D functions, ensuring transparent prioritization and alignment to enterprise strategy.

• Own and manage R&D IT budget planning for your business areas.
• Monitor spend, optimize resource allocation, and ensure cost effectiveness across programs and vendor partnerships.

• Identify risks across technology, delivery, and operations; develop mitigation strategies that uphold reliability, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to relevant GxP, quality, data privacy, and corporate compliance standards across the R&D IT portfolio.

• Recruit, mentor, and develop high‑performing IT talent, including business architects, business analysts, project managers, and domain experts.
• Model and reinforce Alexion culture by promoting collaboration, empowerment, accountability, and continuous…