DEPCS TA Lead, Ophthalmology

Genentech•Daly City, CA

47d•$207,100 - $384,500

About The Position

A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche. This role is based in the Digital Endpoints and Patient-Centered Solutions (DEPCS) team, which is an innovative digital, AI, and tech function within Roche Product Development Data Sciences (PDD). Operating across the Science of Medicines and Operations, DEPCS is responsible for embedding patient-centered and AI-enabled digital solutions into the fabric of clinical research. By integrating data science, measurement science, and digital product thinking, DEPCS delivers scalable and regulatory-ready innovations that enhance trial design, evidence generation, and clinical value of Roche medicines. The Opportunity: As the Therapeutic Area (TA) Lead for Ophthalmology within the Digital Endpoints and Patient-Centered Solutions (DEPCS) function, you will provide strategic direction and cross-functional leadership to advance digital, AI, imaging, and patient-centered strategies supporting the therapeutic area. You will act as the primary DEPCS partner to stakeholders in Clinical Development, Biostatistics, Regulatory, GPS, pRED, and gRED, ensuring digital and measurement strategies are aligned with program needs and embedded into development decision-making. This role is critical to ensuring delivery of validated, scalable, and patient-relevant solutions, with a focus on late-stage development and regulatory readiness. You will lead TA-specific DEPCS planning, contribute to portfolio execution, and oversee cross-functional delivery in alignment with broader PD-DSA and Roche strategies.

Requirements

Advanced degree (MD, PhD preferred; MPH, MSc, or equivalent) in Medicine, Digital Health, Life Sciences, Measurement Science, Computer Science, or related field
12+ years of experience in clinical development, digital innovation, or quantitative science in the pharmaceutical, medtech, or healthcare industry
3+ years of experience in senior leadership or cross-functional roles managing complex portfolios or teams
Ability to lead TA-aligned digital strategy and deliver validated, impactful solutions within regulated environments
Strong knowledge of digital endpoints, measurement science, patient-reported outcomes, and AI/ML in clinical development
Ability to work across functions and geographies, translating complex needs into practical implementation plans
Experience in stakeholder engagement across Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, and Data Science functions
Familiarity with platform governance, digital product lifecycle management, and FAIR principles
Knowledge of global regulatory expectations related to digital health, clinical technologies, and AI/ML
Ability to represent Roche in external engagements, scientific consortia, and professional communities
Willingness to travel (estimated 20%)

Responsibilities

Align digital, AI, imaging, and patient-centered strategies for Ophthalmology with Roche’s broader PD-DSA, One Pharma goals, and other enterprise-wide initiatives
Champion and integrate the 3Ds – Data, Digital/AI, and Design – into TA-level decision-making, product development, and clinical delivery
Act as a role model for digital health leadership by promoting scientific rigor, practical feasibility assessment, operational excellence, and a learning mindset
Ensure clear accountability and cross-functional alignment in the execution of TA-level innovation priorities
Provide strategic leadership for DEPCS within Ophthalmology, translating enterprise and functional priorities into TA-specific roadmaps and initiatives
Guide the integration of patient-centered solutions, digital endpoints, imaging algorithms, and AI capabilities into the drug development lifecycle
Align DEPCS strategy for Ophthalmology within cross-functional and enterprise governance frameworks, contributing to PD-DSA strategy execution
Anticipate scientific, regulatory, and technological trends and steer portfolio planning to maximize impact and value
Represent the TA in DEPCS and cross-functional forums, shaping investment cases, resourcing needs, and platform alignment
Influence decision-making in TA-level governance bodies (e.g., Development Boards) through delivery of validated and impactful digital innovations
Act as the single point of contact and DEPCS lead for Ophthalmology, ensuring cohesive and responsive engagement with Clinical, Regulatory, GPS, Biostats, pRED, and gRED
Build strong relationships with TA-aligned leaders across PDD to support seamless integration of digital, design, and data strategies into the therapeutic portfolio
Collaborate with DEPCS internal capability leads (Imaging, PCOR, AI/ML, Data Validation) to enable fit-for-purpose innovation
Foster partnerships with external collaborators (technology providers, academic institutions, regulators, and patient groups) to strengthen delivery and credibility
Ensure TA representation in DEPCS and PDD planning processes and advocate for TA-specific needs in functional strategies
Oversee assessment, validation, and implementation of DEPCS solutions across Ophthalmology, including digital endpoints, PROs/COAs, imaging tools, and health technologies
Ensure all solutions adhere to scientific rigor, regulatory expectations, and patient-centric principles
Drive reuse, scalability, and lifecycle governance of digital tools, in alignment with DEPCS productization strategy
Support integration of digital modalities into platform trials, decentralized studies, and evidence generation frameworks
Monitor emerging trends and lead adaptation of state-of-the-art digital/AI methodologies for clinical application
Provide functional leadership and direction to TA-aligned DEPCS team members and experts (e.g., Imaging, Digital/PCOR), ensuring high-quality and timely delivery
Set and manage mid-term operational and scientific goals for the team, balancing strategic impact with resource availability
Mentor senior specialists and support their scientific growth and leadership development
Coordinate closely with DEPCS functional leads and TA-aligned partners to align resourcing, project prioritization, and delivery expectations
Contribute to a culture of cross-functional collaboration, psychological safety, and continuous learning within and beyond DEPCS
Demonstrate respect for cultural differences when interacting with colleagues in the global workplace