Director AI and Robotics Transformation -MS

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

41d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of AI and Robotics Transformation will lead the design and execution of AI, predictive science and robotics initiatives within Manufacturing Sciences. This pivotal role will advance the "art of the possible" by collaborating with expert functions (e.g. DSM, R&D IT) and transformation teams (e.g. Modelling, AI, Simulations & Twins, MAST, RACT) to deliver high-impact, value-driven solutions that transform our ways of working in a coordinated and scalable manner. The successful candidate will drive multi-year AI and Robotics transformation roadmaps, prioritize and deliver Robotics, AI and predictive tools aligned with business objectives. They will rapidly evaluate emerging technologies, scale successful pilots, and ensure projects remain on track and within budget. In addition, this role will spearhead function-wide change management for AI and Robotics, fostering a culture of continuous learning, promoting AI literacy, and clearly communicating the vision and benefits of AI and Robotics across the organization. As Manufacturing Science’s representative on cross-functional transformation teams (e.g. MAST, RACT), this role will ensure functional priorities are incorporated into broader initiatives while providing visibility into key functional projects. This position also offers the opportunity to lead cross-functional projects when required, driving collaboration and delivering shared organizational objectives. Ideal candidates will be strategic leaders with a proven track record in implementing AI, predictive science and Robotics within the Manufacturing Sciences or related functional area. They will be passionate about digital transformation and skilled at guiding cross-functional teams to achieve measurable outcomes and meaningful change.

Requirements

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with a proven ability to drive organizational change.
• Deep understanding of Biopharmaceutical Development scientific processes and associated challenges.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Substantial exposure to AI technologies and their application in scientific or operational contexts.
• Advanced Experience with Biopharmaceutical Drug Substance, Analytical or Drug product Development, or Clinical Manufacturing.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Masters degree in a related field with 12 years of experience or PhD with 8 years of experience

Nice To Haves

• Passion for innovation and digital transformation.
• Ability to translate scientific needs into practical, scalable digital solutions.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes.
• Experience in leading other engineers/scientists in the creation, modification, and troubleshooting of laboratory robotics & automation scripts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, drive, and iteratively refine a functional specific AI and predictive science strategy aligned with business objectives and emerging trends.
• Develop, drive, and iteratively refine a functional specific Robotics strategy aligned with business objectives, emerging trends and Manufacturing of the Future.
• Define and maintain the functional roadmaps, ensuring prioritization and alignment with departmental transformation goals.
• Collaborate with expert functions (e.g. DSM) to manage end-to-end delivery of AI and predictive science projects, ensuring stakeholder engagement from requirements definition through PoC, pilot, and full production deployment.
• Lead and serve as a key contributor to functional matrix teams, fostering close collaboration with expert functions to deliver functional projects.
• Accelerate adoption by creating training programs, communication plans, and KPIs to measure impact and success.
• Partner with leadership to assess and adapt functional capabilities (talent, technology, capacity) to accelerate and scale delivery of the multi-year roadmap.
• Represent Manufacturing Sciences in transformation teams (e.g., MAST, RACT), ensuring functional requirements are met by actively influencing cross-functional decisions. Proactively share functional plans and progress with the wider department.
• Lead major cross-functional digital transformation projects when required.

Benefits

• Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees