Job Title: Head of Clinical Data Science
Location: Boston
At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.
As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release
Introduction to Role:
The SrDirector/Head ofClinical Data Science provides strategic and operational leadership for data science, bioinformatics, and AI/ML functions within the Rare Disease Unit. It drives innovation in clinical development by integrating multi-omics, imaging, and digital health data into unified analytical platforms,establishingrobust AI and data governance, and aligning data science strategy withorganisationalR&D priorities. It owns the future direction of mechanism-centered disease modelling and translational AI within Alexion andsets the vision for the application ofinnovativestatistical and bioinformatics methods.
Accountabilities:
Providingstrategic leadership for clinical data science, bioinformatics, and AI/ML initiatives across the Rare Disease portfolio, ensuring alignment with R&Dobjectives
Leadingthe development of Clinical Data Science strategy within Alexion, contributing to the enterprise-wide data science and AI strategy, andcontributing to theAlexion Quantitative Sciences strategy.
Buildingand scalinga high-performing cross-functional team spanning AI, bioinformatics, and translational medicine, accelerating study design and data-driven decision-making.
Establishingand coordinatingAI and data governance frameworks aligned with regulatory standards (FDA, 21 CFR Part 11, CDISC,GxP), reducing compliance risk across clinical programs.
Drivingthe integration of clinical,omics, imaging, and commercial data into unified analytical platforms, enabling sophisticated analytics and knowledge generation.
Leadingbiomarker discovery and validation efforts across multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, genomics) to support patient stratification and therapeutic advancement.
Developingandmaintainingdata infrastructure — data lakes, knowledge graphs, andwearablespipelines — to create sustainable, scalable capabilities for rare disease research.
Partneringwith translational medicine and clinical teams to design innovative Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept strategies incorporating omics and digital health technologies.
Being responsible for the identification and prioritisationof therapeutic targets through AI-enabled clinical and imaging approaches, advancing candidates to IND.
Championingthe adoption of digital health solutions, including wearables and imaging, as exploratory and registrational endpoints in clinical trials.
Integratingmulti-omics datasets into pharmacokinetic (PK) models, improving predictionaccuracyand strengthening dose-response insights for rare disease programs.
ApplyingAI/ML and omics-driven disease clustering to guideindicationprioritisationand drug re purposing opportunities, expanding pipeline value in rare and metabolic diseases.
Servingas a senior leaderrepresentingClinical Data Science in internal governance forums and external collaborations, shaping the strategic direction of data-driven rare disease R&D.
Planningand managingcomplex departmentalbudget, including forecasting for quarterly, annual, and multi-year cycles, and input to the Strategic Planning process.
Leadingportfolio-level data science capacity management for the R&D unit and contributingto or leadingAlexion Quantitative Sciences pivotal initiatives.
Essential Skills/Experience:
PhD ormaster’s degree
D ataScience, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
Minimum 10 years of pharmaceutical or biotech experience
Experience inaDataScience,Bioinformatics, or AI/ML function
Minimum 6 years managing direct reports in a global setting
Deepexpertisein AI/ML methods and their application to clinical and translational medicine
Experience integrating multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) in drug development
Thorough knowledge of regulatory standards: FDA, 21 CFR Part 11, CDISC,GxP
Demonstrated ability to influence strategically and build cross-functional partnerships
Track recordof leading AI and data governance in regulated pharmaceutical environments
Experience successfully leading global, cross-functional teams
Strong eye for business and experience influencing and managing budgets
Desirable Skills/Experience:
Experience with rare disease drug development and patient stratification strategies
Familiarity with knowledge graphs, graph ML, and mechanism-centered disease representation
Experience with wearables, digital biomarkers, and imaging as clinical endpoints
Experience withindicationexpansion and AI-driven drug re-purposing programs
Broad experience across multiple therapeutic areas beyond rare diseases
Experience managing significantorganisationalchange and scaling data science functions
Where can I find out more?
At Alexion, you will find a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and a diverse environment where your contributions are valued. You will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of rare disease research and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.
Total Rewards:
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $212,994 to $319,492 Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Alexion 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. Alexion is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com
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Date Posted
09-Jun-2026
Closing Date
25-Jun-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
We're transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society and the planet. For more information, visit www.astrazeneca.com.
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