R&D Program Leader

Cognizant
Birmingham
1 month ago
Applications closed

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About the Company:

We are seeking an experienced R&D IT professional to lead and drive strategic IT initiatives for early research, discovery, and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) and Clinical Development functions for our portfolio of clients. The R&D Portfolio Leader will act as the trusted advisor to our clients’ business and IT stakeholders, driving solution strategy and delivery aligned with clients’ scientific and operational goals to enable cutting-edge research and development. This role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership, and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech R&D lifecycle.


About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced R&D IT professional to lead and drive strategic IT initiatives for early research, discovery, and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) and Clinical Development functions for our portfolio of clients. The R&D Portfolio Leader will act as the trusted advisor to our clients’ business and IT stakeholders, driving solution strategy and delivery aligned with clients’ scientific and operational goals to enable cutting-edge research and development. This role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership, and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech R&D lifecycle.


Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Partnership Collaborate with clients’ R&D leadership teams in early research, discovery, CMC and clinical development to understand scientific goals and operational priorities Define and execute strategies that align with clients’ organizational objectives and industry best practices Act as the primary point of contact for clients’ R&D teams (Business and IT functions), fostering strong relationships with stakeholders
  • Solution Delivery and Program Leadership Accountable for delivery for R&D Programs for the assigned clients’ and lead the delivery Represents Cognizant in clients’ business review and steering committee Works closely with Cognizant Delivery Leadership and ensure delivery excellence for the clients’ R&D programs Works closely with Client Partners / Customer Relationship Managers in forecasting the new demands and expansion opportunities Partner with vendors and external consultants to ensure effective delivery of services Manage R&D programs teams, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met
  • Innovation and Continuous Improvement Drive innovation in Gen AI, data analytics / AI ML, and computational tools to enhance decision-making in drug discovery and clinical development Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains in supported areas
  • Leadership and Team Development Mentor and guide Cognizant staff and cross-functional teams in R&D and CMC initiatives. Cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within Cognizant R&D teams.


Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a related field; PhD or MBA is a plus. 15+ years of experience in IT roles supporting R&D in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. Proven expertise in early research, discovery informatics, and CMC operations. Strong knowledge of R&D systems such as ELNs, LIMS, eClinical solutions and laboratory automation. Familiarity with cloud platforms, AI/ML tools, and data analytics solutions relevant to drug discovery and clinical development. Excellent project management skills, with experience in Agile and traditional methodologies. Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, FDA, EMA). Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.


Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in digital transformation projects in R&D (Early Research & Discovery, Clinical development)
  • Knowledge of emerging trends in computational biology, cheminformatics, or bioprocessing technologies
  • Certification in ITIL, PMP, or similar frameworks


Location:Primary UK and Flexible, with some travel required to support global R&D teams and initiatives.

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