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.
Introduction to role:
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 toidentifyhigh-valueopportunities, design strategictechnologyand data roadmaps, and ensure successful execution of differentiating digital, data, and AI initiatives. This includes championing modern data architectures, trusted andwell-governeddata 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 andAI-drivenconcepts 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, andAI-supportedcapabilities.
Accountabilities:
AI-ReadyData Enablement
Lead strategy and execution for enablingAIreadydata 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.
AI-Solution Delivery
Drive the delivery ofAIpoweredsolutions that improve R&D efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance scientific and operationaldecisionmaking.
Identify, evaluate, and implement AI and GenAI usecasesR&Dfunctions.
Ensure solutions follow responsible AI practices, appropriate validation approaches, and adherence to compliance and privacy obligations.
Enterprise R&D Thought Leadership
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 toleveragedigital, data, AI, automation, and advanced analytics to acceleratedecisionmakingand scientific/clinical outcomes.
Strategic Portfolio & Demand
Shape and prioritize the multiyear 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.
Budgeting & Resource Optimization
Own and manage R&D IT budget planning for your business areas.
Monitorspend,optimizeresource allocation, and ensurecosteffectivenessacross programs and vendor partnerships.
Risk & Compliance
Identifyrisks across technology, delivery, and operations; develop mitigation strategies that uphold reliability, security, and regulatory requirements.
Ensure adherence to relevantGxP, quality, data privacy, and corporate compliance standards across the R&D IT portfolio.
People & Organizational Leadership
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 improvement.
Essential Skills/Experience:
10+ years of experience supporting R&D or adjacent biopharmaceutical functions, ideally with both IT and scientific/clinical exposure.
Strong understanding of end-to-end R&D processes from early discovery throughpostmarketactivities.
Demonstrated experience partnering with senior executives and influencingenterpriseleveldecisionmaking.
Proventrack recorddelivering complex,highvalueprograms using modern delivery methods including agile.
Hands-on experience with technology architecture, data models, enterprise platforms, and application design.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, andproblemsolvingcapabilities.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate between scientific, business, and IT stakeholders.
Experience with regulatory and compliance domains (GxP, data integrity, quality, privacy).
Ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced, evolving R&D environment.
As an IT Business Partner leader, you will be expected to haveproficiencyin:
Demand Management-Effectively managing and forecasting the organization's demand for products and services to ensure alignment with supply capabilities and strategic objectives
Portfolio Management-Optimizingthe organization's investment portfolio to maximize value,optimizeresource allocation, and balance risk and return.
Value Realization-Iidentifyingand realizing the full potential value of the organization's products, services, and capabilities to drive profitability and growth.
Innovation-Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to develop new products, services, and business models that meet evolving customer needs.
Governance-Establishingclear decision-making processes, accountability, and oversight to ensure the alignment of business activities with strategicobjectivesand risk management practices.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
Advanced degree in information technology or information sciences, or specific sciences.
Prior experiencein leading edge technologies, such as Gen AI and advanced data modeling.
Experience with Bioinformatics and/or Diagnostics activities withinBiopharmaceuticalindustry.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here, ambitious science meets practical delivery. You will work where patient need is urgent and the stakes are real, alongside colleagues who blend biotech agility with the scale and resources of a global leader. Expect cutting-edge data and AI platforms, unexpected teams in the same room unleashing bold thinking, and the trust to move quickly with integrity. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we back our people with the mentorship, tools, and cross-functional access needed to turn ideas into therapies that change lives—especially for those with the fewest options.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $151,177.60 to 226,766.40. 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.
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.
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Date Posted
03-Mar-2026Closing Date
18-Mar-2026Our 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.