Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or related field; advanced degree (MS, PhD) strongly preferred
5-8+ years of progressive experience in data architecture, data engineering, advanced analytics, with at least 4+ years in life sciences, biotech, pharma, or cell/gene therapy
3-5+ years of direct management experience leading cross-functional data teams
Demonstrated experience building enterprise data governance, architecture, and analytics capabilities from the ground up
Advanced command of statistical tools and programming (Python, R, SQL, SAS)
Deep experience with modern cloud data systems (Azure, Snowflake, AWS)
Familiarity with R&D and manufacturing/biomanufacturing data systems (ELN, MES, LIMS, ERP)
Responsibilities
Define and drive the technical data strategy and roadmap, aligning data and analytics investments with R&D, manufacturing, and commercial priorities
Advise the Executive Team on data-driven opportunities and risks
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data engineers, data scientists, bioinformaticians, and data governance/quality specialists
Establish the company's data culture, championing data literacy and evidence-based decision-making across all functions
Oversee design and implementation of a unified data platform/data lake integrating data from R&D, preclinical development, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial operations
Partner with IT/Digital leadership on cloud infrastructure, data pipelines, interoperability standards, and system integrations
Establish enterprise data governance policies, standards, and stewardship models to ensure data integrity, quality, security, and regulatory compliance
Benefits
Opportunity to lead and shape the company's technical data strategy
Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams
Access to cutting-edge technologies and advanced analytics
Professional development and mentorship opportunities
Engagement in impactful work within the cell therapy field
Full Job Description
Overview
The Impact That You Will Make
The Director will serve as a strategic and technical leader responsible for defining and executing the company's technical data strategy. The Director will bridge the gap between scientific research and scaled, automated manufacturing by overseeing the data infrastructure (ingestion, governance, architecture) and advanced analytical execution (predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and machine learning) needed to support scientific discovery, autologous/allogeneic cell therapy production, real-time chain-of-custody/chain-of-identity tracking, and regulatory submissions. This role is uniquely critical in cell therapy, where success depends on integrating complex, high-dimensional data across R&D, preclinical development, manufacturing (CMC), supply chain/logistics, and commercial operations. The ideal candidate combines deep data strategy and technology leadership with an understanding of the unique data challenges associated with cell therapies, including integration of multi-omic and other characterization data, biomanufacturing data, product tracking, and has a working knowledge with stringent regulatory/compliance requirements (FDA, EMA, GMP, GCP, GxP).
Your Role
Strategy & Leadership
Define and drive the technical data strategy and roadmap, aligning data and analytics investments with R&D, manufacturing, and commercial priorities
Advise the Executive Team on data-driven opportunities and risks
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data engineers, data scientists, bioinformaticians, and data governance/quality specialists
Establish the company's data culture, championing data literacy and evidence-based decision-making across all functions
Data Infrastructure & Architecture
Oversee design and implementation of a unified data platform/data lake integrating data from R&D, preclinical development, manufacturing (MES, LIMS), supply chain (chain-of-identity/chain-of-custody systems), and commercial operations
Partner with IT/Digital leadership on cloud infrastructure, data pipelines, interoperability standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, CDISC), and system integrations (ERP, MES, LIMS, and as needed, QMS)
Data Governance, Quality & Compliance
Establish enterprise data governance policies, standards, and stewardship models to ensure data integrity, quality, security, and phase-appropriate regulatory compliance
Lead data privacy and security initiatives in partnership with IT Security and Legal
Analytics & Advanced Technology
Champion the application of advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to accelerate scientific discovery, optimize manufacturing yield/process parameters, and predict supply chain risk
Enable predictive and prescriptive analytics for manufacturing process optimization and capacity planning
Evaluate and implement emerging technologies (AI/ML platforms, digital twins, real-world data/evidence tools) to maintain competitive advantage
Cross-Functional Partnership
Collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing/CMC, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to understand data needs and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions
Partner with the Executive Team (if applicable) on technology infrastructure decisions and IT roadmap alignment
Manage relationships with external vendors, data platform providers, and technology partners
Your Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or related field; advanced degree (MS, PhD) strongly preferred
5-8+ years of progressive experience in data architecture, data engineering, advanced analytics, with at least 4+ years in life sciences, biotech, pharma, or cell/gene therapy industry ecosystems.
3-5+ years of direct management experience leading cross-functional data teams.
Demonstrated experience building enterprise data governance, architecture, and analytics capabilities from the ground up
Advanced command of statistical tools and programming (Python, R, SQL, SAS)
Deep experience with modern cloud data systems (Azure, Snowflake, AWS)
Familiarity with R&D and manufacturing/biomanufacturing data systems (ELN, MES, LIMS, ERP)
Track record of leading and scaling high-performing data and analytics teams
High level communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership
Additional Experience We Value
Direct cell therapy or advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) experience strongly preferred
Experience with autologous or allogeneic cell therapy manufacturing and chain-of-identity/chain-of-custody data systems
Familiarity with mass spectrometry-based multi-omics, single-cell genomics, flow cytometry, and other cell characterization data types
Experience implementing AI/ML solutions in a regulated life sciences environment
Experience in a high-growth, fast-paced biotech environment (clinical-to-commercial transition)
