Expert Imaging Lead, CVRM

Roche•South San Francisco, CA

10d•$277,800 - $515,800•Onsite

About The Position

This role is based in the Digital Endpoints and Patient-Centered Solutions (DEPCS) team, the 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 Expert Imaging Lead, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) plays a pivotal role in advancing the clinical application of imaging within drug development by defining and driving Therapeutic Area (TA)-specific imaging strategies across the development lifecycle. Operating within the Digital Endpoints and Patient-Centered Solutions (DEPCS) function, the Imaging Lead, CVRM serves as the primary scientific and strategic liaison for imaging solutions, ensuring alignment with molecule and program goals, clinical and regulatory requirements, and enterprise innovation priorities. The role bridges expertise in imaging science, AI/ML integration, and clinical development to deliver fit-for-purpose, scalable, and regulatory-ready imaging strategies. Collaborating closely with Digital and Patient Centred Outcomes Research leadership, as well as cross-functional teams and external partners, the CVRM Imaging Lead drives high-impact initiatives that enhance evidence generation and improve the probability of technical success across therapeutic areas.

Requirements

PhD, MD, or equivalent in Radiology, Imaging Science, AI/ML, or a related discipline, with extensive experience in [Therapeutic Area], and recognized as a scientific expert with demonstrated disease understanding and a track record in the TA.
15+ years of experience in imaging science with strategic impact across clinical trials or drug development programs.
Broad and deep expertise in TA-relevant imaging methods, including regulatory strategy and AI/ML-enhanced analytics.
Proven leadership in high-complexity, global projects and governance interactions.
Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead scientific strategy across functions and geographies.
Deep understanding of the clinical and drug development context in [Therapeutic Area].
Proven experience in data science, AI/ML, digital health, or related technologies and their application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Broad experience in the development of AI-based, data-driven solutions for healthcare.
Proven experience managing projects from concept through deployment and success measurement.
Process-oriented mindset with attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality results, with deep enthusiasm for developing and embedding groundbreaking new capabilities.
Capacity for independent thinking and ability to make decisions based upon sound principles.
Excellent strategic agility including problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and agility that extends beyond the technical domain.
Respect for cultural differences when interacting with colleagues in the global workplace.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically in the areas of presentation and writing, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in clear language.

Nice To Haves

Recognized leader in the imaging community with external visibility (e.g., publications, leadership roles).
Experience defining investment cases or shaping functional strategy for imaging innovation.
Familiarity with enterprise-level data architecture and how imaging integrates with multi-modal evidence generation.

Responsibilities

Serve as a leading expert in imaging science across the assigned therapeutic area, shaping strategy and leading high-impact, cross-functional initiatives.
Translate complex development needs into scalable imaging solutions, embedding AI, ML, and advanced analytics where appropriate.
Define and direct imaging strategy across multiple programs, influencing DEPCS TA digital strategy by anticipating clinical and business needs.
Partner with Disease Area (DA) Heads, TA Heads, and Franchise Heads to align strategic planning activities, ensuring a focused approach to enhancing people, processes, and technology capabilities needed to improve drug development at Roche.
Identify main pain points and specific critical needs of disease area strategies and large asset programs that can be addressed with imaging capabilities and solutions, including close interactions with: Study management teams (SMTs), including representatives from Clinical Science, Biomarker Development, Statistical Science, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, and other functions, to assess clinical trial milestones that can benefit from AI/ML-enabled analytics and medical imaging, such as clinical trial design, execution, and analysis.
Engage with Global Development Teams (GDTs), including the GDT Lead and other experts from Clinical Science, Statistical Science, Biomarker Development, and others.
Collaborate with Asset Teams, including Lifecycle Lead, Commercial Lead, Access Lead, and other relevant stakeholders.
Represent DEPCS imaging strategy in functional and enterprise governance, influencing priority-setting, investment decisions, and cross-functional alignment.
Anticipate external trends in imaging science, regulatory expectations, and clinical innovation, incorporating these into strategic planning.
Lead the development and lifecycle management of DEPCS AI and medical imaging-based algorithms, from technology assessments to deployment.
Act as a scientific thought leader in imaging across Roche, enabling standardization, interoperability, and reusability of imaging data assets.
Lead large, global project teams or matrixed initiatives, ensuring integration of imaging into the broader development architecture.
Serve as a key liaison to external collaborators, academic partners, and vendors, shaping Roche’s role in the imaging science community.