Introduction to role:

At AstraZeneca, we are revolutionizing the future of Oncology through the synergy of science, data, and innovation. As the Executive Director of Oncology Data Science & AI, you will spearhead the development and application of AI within Oncology R&D, establishing a world-class team and propelling our ambition to position China as a global AI innovation hub. You will be responsible for a substantial annual budget and expand a dynamic team over the next three years, with significant headcount and program ownership. Our new Beijing AI Centre will serve as a vital link between China's digital-health and AI ecosystem and AstraZeneca's global Oncology R&D engine.

Accountabilities:

• Define and deliver a bold, Data Science & AI strategy to support Oncology R&D objectives in China.

• Build from the ground up a high-performing team of data scientists, AI/ML specialists, computational biologists, and translational data experts based in China.

• Recruit hybrid talent across academia, industry, and remote contributors, advancing China’s leadership in AI-powered Oncology R&D.

• Drive the development and application of AI for de novo design, virtual screening, repurposing, and predictive modeling of biologics, with a focus on scaling China’s contribution to global discovery programs.

• Lead local efforts to fine-tune and expand foundation models for multi-organ safety prediction and DMPK modeling, demonstrating internal data and public sources via LLM-powered frameworks.

• Work closely with R&D leadership to integrate AI with local wet lab and experimental platforms, advancing toward closed-loop experimentation and rapid design-test-learn cycles.

• Drive innovation in target identification, biomarker discovery, clinical trial optimization, precision medicine, and real-world evidence generation through AI and data science.

• Partner with Oncology discovery, translational medicine, clinical development, regulatory, and operational teams both locally and globally to drive impact across the R&D value chain.

• Build strong external partnerships with the sophisticated ecosystem in Beijing, engaging with academia, hospitals, technology innovators, startups, and government bodies to strengthen AstraZeneca’s Oncology leadership in China.

• Ensure compliance with China data governance regulations (PIPL, DSL, NMPA Measures on Data Security in Pharma R&D, cross-border transfer) and maintain awareness of global data privacy frameworks, given the cross-regional nature of this role.

• Lead AI initiatives across biologics design and all stages of drug discovery, including safety, efficacy, and DMPK modeling by integrating complex in vitro and in vivo datasets while ensuring responsible data governance across public and internal sources in alignment with regional compliance standards.

• Represent AstraZeneca’s Oncology Data Science & AI leadership in China and globally through scientific forums, public-private partnerships, and key industry engagements.

• Build collaborations with local partners including Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Ascend, Baidu, top academic centers, startups, and government agencies.

Crucial Skills/Experience:

• PhD (preferred) or Master’s degree in engineering, Data Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or related fields.

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience across data science, AI, computational research, experimental R&D, or translational science within Oncology or broader healthcare/life sciences.

• Proven ability to build, scale, and lead new organizations, especially cross-functional teams that combine data science, computational methods, and experimental biology.

• Strong understanding of both dry lab (computational) and wet lab (experimental) research environments.

• Proven track record in PIPL/DSL/NMPA compliance and AI-enabled IND/IDE submissions.

• Experience leading large AI teams and managing significant budgets.

• Strong foundation-model literacy (protein, multimodal, LLM models).

• Demonstrated scientific excellence, with impactful contributions through publications, patents, or leadership of major research programs.

• Deep familiarity with China’s R&D, healthcare innovation, and data governance landscapes.

• Executive presence with the ability to influence, collaborate, and drive change across matrixed global organizations.

• Fluent in English and Mandarin.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Expertise in multi-modal oncology data integration (e.g., genomics, imaging, clinical trial data, real-world evidence) and driving impact to R&D.

• Knowledge of drug discovery from silico design of molecules to predicting pharmacologic responses and safety.

• Track record of success in leading AI initiatives that materially advanced oncology pipelines or precision medicine initiatives.

• Established network in China’s life sciences, healthcare, and AI communities.

• Familiarity with emerging areas such as generative AI, digital biomarkers, or clinical AI applications.

• Partnerships with major China tech platforms (Alibaba, Huawei, Baidu) or AI-focused tech companies.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can be part of shaping the future of medicine. We are committed to becoming a healthcare provider beyond medicines by embracing new technologies to understand diseases better and support patients comprehensively. Our digitally-enabled Research & Development cycle is designed to improve clinical trials and patient outcomes through innovative tools like wearables and machine learning. Here you can explore new possibilities while working on cutting-edge projects that drive industry change.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join us on this exciting journey!

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.