Head of Data & AI

Terrestrial Bio•Woburn, MA

1d•$230,000 - $270,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Terrestrial Bio is transforming the delivery of next-generation therapies, starting with GLP-1. Terrestrial’s proprietary Tacterra™ microarray patch (MAP) and applicator platform consists of a patch resembling an adhesive bandage, which is applied with a preloaded applicator and removed after a few minutes. Once applied, each patch delivers bioactive tips into the skin, which dissolve quickly into the body, rapidly releasing their therapeutic payload. Designed for self-administration, the temperature-stable Tacterra™ platform enables precise, controlled delivery of a wide range of therapeutics without medical sharps or refrigeration. Terrestrial has generated strong clinical and in-vivo proof of concept across multiple molecules. Terrestrial Bio is standing up Data & AI as its own business capability — not a sub-function of IT or Operations — reporting directly to the CEO. In this role, you will define our data strategy, build the systems and pipelines we run on, and lead the applied AI work that creates value for scientists, engineers, and business teams. That means building our data ontology, architecture, and applied AI roadmap end to end — and building the team that will execute it. You will also drive selection of core enterprise systems (e.g., MES, ERP, LIMS), manage how data moves through them, and integrate them into a single coherent environment. You will also stand up agentic pipelines: practical automations that support R&D, manufacturing, quality, and corporate teams. This is a hands-on, build-from-the-ground-up role — working directly with leaders across R&D, manufacturing, clinical/regulatory, quality, and business teams to find where data and technology can move our mission forward faster.

Requirements

8+ years in data/analytics leadership roles, ideally with 3+ years in biotech, pharma, or another regulated life-sciences environment
Demonstrated experience building a data function from zero to a functioning team, including hiring and management
Working fluency in GxP/regulatory context — understands why data lineage, audit trails, and change control matter, even without being the compliance owner
Direct experience with MES, ERP, or LIMS/ELN selection and integration
Comfortable operating as a peer to functional VPs (Research, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering) while reporting to the CEO
Experience preparing data/technical materials for institutional fundraising or board reporting
Excellent written and verbal communication — this role translates between scientists, engineers, and executives daily
Comfort operating in a fast-moving company where you will build systems and teams, not just manage them

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with agentic AI/LLM-based data pipelines in a regulated environment
Familiarity with microneedle array / drug-delivery device manufacturing
Experience with a prior Series A-to-B company building out its data infrastructure ahead of diligence

Responsibilities

Own the Data & AI roadmap and budget that aligns with and enables rapid growth of the company and advancement of our pipeline; report progress directly to the CEO
Design and implement data infrastructure: data pipelines, storage, and governance across functions and projects
Ratify a canonical Data Ontology Dictionary across Research, Development, Manufacturing, and QA stakeholders, resolving contested definitions (Lot, Batch, Group, Mold/Sample, Experiment ID, Assay/Defect Classification)
Design and stand up the data governance charter and RACI across all functional stakeholders, ensuring appropriate privacy and security is in place
Hire, onboard, and manage the Data & AI team
Select and oversee integration of MES, ERP, and ELN systems (e.g., Tulip, NetSuite, Benchling) against a single governed data model
Direct the design of an agentic pipeline bridging Research’s Google Drive environment and Development’s SharePoint environment
Own the applied-AI governance framework: agent design documentation, audit logging, and change control suitable for a GxP-regulated environment
Manage vendor relationships and RFP processes for QMS and other data-critical systems
Ensure data systems meet regulatory requirements and data integrity standards
Communicate data & AI strategy, progress, risks, and issues to executive leadership, including presenting roadmap and team growth plans to the CEO and Board ahead of our Series B close