Senior Director, AI Governance

Senior Director, AI Governance

Introduction to role:

The R&D Data Office is embarking on a bold transformation to support AZ ambitions to double the productivity of the R&D drug

development pipeline by 2030; empowered through effective use of data and AI to power scientific innovation and accelerate data

driven decisions speeding the delivery of medicines for patients. The Data and AI Policy and Governance team stands at the

forefront of this change; unlocking data and AI use in a responsible way to enable the R&D business while at the same time

protecting patient data and meeting our regulatory obligations.

The Senior Director of AI Governance will be a visible member of the Data and AI Policy and Governance team, who engages with

senior leaders across R&D and Enterprise to encourage and enable the use of AI and digital technologies to advance drug

development. They will possess technical awareness of the fast-paced AI and digital health industry and provide consultancy to

push the boundary for benefit while using AI and digital technologies ethically and safely. AstraZeneca R&D is committed to

transforming the way we work through data and AI, creating unprecedented insights and assistance that augment our human

capabilities. As such, an array of AI capabilities from machine learning, deep learning, foundational models, computer vision, large

language models (LLM), diagnostics, and agentic AI have been embedded into our every day. The Senior Director of AI Governance

will be a trusted partner with R&D that fosters a culture of responsible AI innovation.

The Senior Director of AI Governance will play a pivotal role in advancing this R&D transformation by leading the AI governance

strategy; working with R&D leaders to unlock barriers and encourage the use of AI and digital technologies to innovate and

accelerate drug development. They will oversee our AI governance assessments, liaise with enterprise governance and cross-

functional collaborators, and develop AI policies for responsible use addressing the principles of transparency, FAIR data

governance, accountability, bias mitigation, human-centricity, privacy and security in a risk balanced way. Finally, the Senior

Director of AI Governance will develop an external view of evolving regulations in the global AI and digital health space, engage in

AI industry forums to both learn and influence new regulations, and establish responsible ways of working that maximise the value

of patient, drug product, and device data and AI to drive healthcare advancements.

Accountabilities:

Partner with leaders across R&D and Enterprise to foster a culture of responsible AI innovation

· Establish a network of R&D AI experts that can both contribute to and benefit from the AI governance strategy

· Direct the AI governance strategy for R&D; keeping up with new advancements in the AI and digital technology field applying

AZ’s principles of responsible use to advance science while meeting our global ethical and regulatory compliance obligations

· Embed responsible use of data into the AI governance strategy; integrating data rights, privacy, and transparency

· Establish R&D position/policies in alignment with senior leaders that maximize our ability to benefit patients using AI and the

digital technologies of the future

· Encourage and evangelize the use of AI and digital technologies; designing innovative ways to navigate barriers thinking out of

the box as well as learning from our pharma peers and global AI technologists

· Influence clinical operations captured data rights, through informed consent and protocol language, and anonymization

practices to improve data and AI benefit for scientific health related research

· Centralize and simplify R&D AI and other governance practices; adding clarity and balanced governance to categories of AI

· Perform third party review and due diligence on AI and patent data business development opportunities as required

· Establish connections and influence among AI leaders to both inform our practice and ensure benefit to patients

· Maintain relationships with key partners and close awareness of corporate initiatives, industry standards, and regulations

· Actively contribute to the Data and AI Policy and Governance team strategy, goals, and roadmap as a key leader on the team

· Act as a trusted business partner; using creativity to solve for challenges; using influence to remove barriers; and using voice

to escalate risks and issues

· Actively contribute to the R&D Data Office’s fun and innovative culture, bring your authentic self, take time for community,

celebrate the diversity of thought and identity, take risks, and accept failures

· Contribute to the evangelism of R&D Data Office’s prowess and accomplishments through targeted communications,

celebration of achievements, conferences, and/or external communications

Essential Skills/Experience:

Demonstrated 12+ years of experience working cross- functionally in leading application of digital health, device, data privacy, data and AI law compliance, and/or data science in the biotech/pharma industry

· Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant legal, scientific, technical, and/or business field

· Highly collaborative with demonstrated experience influencing and communicating with cross-functional executive leaders

· Experience developing a company digital, data and/or AI compliance position among evolving, unclear and/or conflicting regulations

· Experience implementing new R&D business processes

· Experience with risk management and audit readiness

· Working knowledge of clinical trial regulations, data privacy, digital data and AI governance, and/or device law

· Demonstrated ability to engage in gap analysis, compliance, and/or technology discussions in biotech/pharma

Desirable Skills/Experience:

Higher education in a Computer Science, Data Science, Compliance or Law field highly beneficial · Energized by developing a culture of compliance and continuous learning environment · Proven ability to tackle the unknown with confidence · Energized by working with hard-working and diverse teams toward a common goal, often translating through communication gaps · Established network in Oncology or Biopharma R&D, AZ Data Offices, and/or Compliance

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage 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 outstanding and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, you'll be part of a journey to redefine medicine by becoming a healthcare provider beyond medicines. We embrace patient-centricity through technology to understand diseases better, develop new treatments, and support patients comprehensively. Our digitally-enabled R&D cycle improves clinical trials, diagnostics, wearables, machine learning, visual analytics, integrated data for improved outcomes, and insights for future products. Empowerment is key here; explore and disrupt while working on ground breaking projects. With resilience and adaptability, you'll thrive as we innovate together. Join us at the heart of AstraZeneca's R&D efforts to elevate our pipeline using the latest technologies.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

30-Jul-2025

Closing Date

29-Aug-2025

Our 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.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.