AI Innovation Manager

Are you passionate about shaping the future of pharmaceutical research through artificial intelligence? Do you enjoy scouting breakthrough technologies and forging impactful partnerships that accelerate scientific innovation? AstraZeneca’s Data Science & AI (DS&AI) function is looking for a forward-thinking, resourceful AI Innovation Manager who thrives at the intersection of cutting-edge AI and transformative medicine development. You will connect AstraZeneca R&D priorities with the world’s most promising AI solutions, enabling technology-driven advancements that improve patient outcomes.

You will join DS&AI’s Data Science Skills & Partnerships team, a driving force in accelerating medicine development by fostering learning, enabling collaboration, and cultivating innovative partnerships that empower our R&D organization in the AI space.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and synthesize market trends:Continuously monitor and synthesize trends and competitive intelligence from the global AI landscape, providing clear recommendations relevant to pharmaceutical and life science innovation.

• Deliver actionable insights: Produce insightful reports, landscape maps, and executive presentations to communicate external opportunities and technology advances to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Scout and assess external AI tech opportunities:Identify and evaluate external innovation—including startups, academic research, and digital health solutions—that strategically align with AstraZeneca R&D objectives.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships: Develop and nurture relationships with a global network of technology providers, innovators, and research institutions to catalyse R&D advancement.

• Handle and maximise ai innovation partnerships:Support management and raise internal awareness of the value and impact of existing innovation partnerships across the organization, ensuring partnerships are demonstrated for maximum strategic benefit.

• Translate needs into solutions:Map unmet scientific and operational needs within R&D and actively connect these with external AI tech solutions.

• Support technical evaluation:Collaborate with internal AI guides, applying robust research and business analysis methodologies to assess external partners and opportunities, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in technology scouting, innovation, consulting, analytics, or business analysis roles—ideally within pharma, healthcare, or life sciences.

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific field, engineering, computer science, business, or related field.

• Confirmed ability to identify, assess, and engage with external technology and innovation partners.

• Experience conducting trend analysis, competitive intelligence, and external market landscaping for emerging technologies.

• Exceptional abilities in synthesising and communicating complex information through stakeholder-tailored reports and presentations.

• Strong relationship-building and partner management skills across both internal teams and external partners.

• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating fast-changing technology landscapes and shifting project priorities; able to remain effective, proactive, and solutions-focused in a dynamic, sometimes ambiguous environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, with hands-on experience using analytics or data science tools.

• Track record of contributing to cross-functional innovation challenges, technology pilots, or scouting initiatives.

• Confirmed ability to translate technical content into accessible recommendations for a non-technical audience.