Job Description

Role: Senior Director, CGR Agentic AI Innovation

Location: Cambridge, UK

Make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives around the world

As advances in artificial intelligence reshape biomedical research, AstraZeneca’s Centre for Genomics Research (CGR) is investing in scientific capabilities that accelerate insight generation, decision-making and translational impact. The convergence of human genomics, multi-omics, clinical evidence and AI presents a unique opportunity to improve how biological insights are generated, interpreted and translated into therapeutic decisions across the R&D pipeline.

This role is designed for an individual with expertise at the intersection of advanced AI systems, scientific problem-solving and solution delivery. You will partner with colleagues to identify high-value opportunities, rapidly develop and deploy agentic AI solutions, and create measurable impact.

Success will be measured through the ability to create strategic value, accelerate scientific outcomes and deliver transformational AI capabilities. You will translate cutting-edge advances into practical solutions that improve how science is conducted across CGR and its partners.

You will report to the Vice President, Head of the Centre for Genomics Research, and serve as a member of the CGR Leadership Team.

What you’ll do

As the Senior Director, Head of CGR Agentic AI Innovation, you will:

• Identify opportunities where agentic AI can transform scientific workflows and decision-making.
• Leverage AstraZeneca's unique human genomics, multi-omics and clinical evidence resources to improve biological understanding, target discovery and translational decision-making.
• Partner with stakeholders to deploy AI solutions that accelerate genomics research, translational science and clinical development.
• Evaluate advances in foundation models, multi-agent systems, scientific reasoning and knowledge architectures, translating them into practical solutions for human evidence generation, interpretation and decision support.
• Rapidly prototype and validate innovative AI applications that deliver measurable scientific and business value.
• Partner with scientists, clinicians, data scientists, software engineers and therapy area leaders to translate complex scientific challenges into practical AI applications.
• Influence senior leaders across R&D through demonstration of practical AI capabilities and clear articulation of scientific and business impact.
• Build external relationships across academia, biotech, technology companies, startups and the broader AI ecosystem to identify emerging opportunities and accelerate innovation.
• Mentor scientists, engineers and leaders in the effective application of advanced AI technologies.

Essential Criteria

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational biology, bioinformatics, engineering, physics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise developing and deploying advanced AI systems, including large language models, agentic workflows, reasoning systems, retrieval architectures or decision-support applications.
• Proven track record of rapidly delivering AI solutions that achieve meaningful outcomes for complex scientific, technical, or business problems.
• Ability to operate as an independent technical leader, driving strategy and execution simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of scientific research and knowledge-intensive decision-making.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and translating complex technical concepts into clear business and scientific value.
• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across scientific and technical disciplines.
• Proven experience with human genetics, multi-omics, translational science, early disease prediction, and drug discovery
• Track record of innovation demonstrated through publications, open-source contributions, or conference presentations.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience applying AI within life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, genomics, or biomedical research.
• Experience applying AI to biological, translational or clinical research problems.
• Experience building AI systems that integrate structured and unstructured scientific data.
• Strong network within the AI research and technology ecosystem.

How we do it

At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work, where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There's no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.

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

17-Jun-2026

Closing Date

17-Jun-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.