Manager/Associate Director Scientific & Strategic Operations (AI Innovation) in London

Most diseases are still poorly understood at a biological level. Despite decades of research, the causal mechanisms driving many conditions remain unclear, limiting our ability to identify the right targets, design the right interventions and bring the right medicines to patients.

The AI Accelerator exists to change that. Based in London and sitting within Computational Innovation, a global organisation spanning computational biology, human genetics, data excellence and AI, the Accelerator’s mission is to build production-quality AI capabilities that deepen our understanding of disease biology and increase probability of success.

We do this by applying neural-based methods across the biomedical data landscape to integrate heterogeneous, multimodal data sources, infer biological relationships and embed causal thinking into what we build. The goal is not just to predict but to explain and understand why disease occurs.

A core component of delivering on these ambitions is ensuring that the AI Accelerator operates with the discipline, coordination and strategic clarity needed to translate cutting-edge technology into real portfolio impact. This role sits at the centre of the Accelerator, spanning its teams and connecting its work to the broader goals of Computational Innovation.

We are looking for a Manager / Associate Director of Scientific and Strategic Operations (AI Innovation) to serve as the operational right hand to the Head of AI/ML, owning execution discipline, coordination and operations across the AI Accelerator and ensuring strategy translates into delivery. We are seeking to appoint at either Manager or Associate Director level. The scope, responsibilities and title will be calibrated to the successful candidate’s experience, capabilities and demonstrated impact. Where the role is filled at Manager level, there will be a clear opportunity to grow into the Associate Director role over time, supported by appropriate development and increased scope of responsibility.

This role sits at the centre of everything the AI Accelerator does, spanning its teams and connecting its work to Computational Innovation’s portfolio-facing teams. You will work closely with the global PMO to ensure the AI Accelerator’s activities align with broader CI goals, are well-executed and comply with governance frameworks.

This is a rare opportunity to shape something from the ground up. The AI Accelerator is new and the emphasis of this role will evolve as the Accelerator matures. From building operational foundations to driving increasingly complex cross-functional delivery, you will help define how new and ambitious AI capabilities take root within a global organisation.

• Partner with the Head of AI/ML, the AI Accelerator Leadership Team, and the broader CI Leadership Team to support long-range planning.
• Work with the global CI PMO to build out the operational processes, tools and governance structures the AI Accelerator needs to run effectively and in alignment with broader CI.
• Ensure the AI Accelerator’s activities are well-executed and compliant with governance frameworks, maintaining alignment with the global CI PMO on an ongoing basis.
• Track AI portfolio milestones, dependencies and risks, surface bottlenecks that require leadership intervention and ensure delivery of capabilities aligned to Accelerator and Computational Innovation goals.
• Prepare high-quality materials for leadership reviews, executive/board-level stakeholder updates and decision fora that cover scientific and technological deliverables, strategic goals and operational progress.
• Support initiative owners and leadership by outlining options, clarifying expectations, assessing trade-offs and helping navigate both ongoing activities and fast-emerging requests.
• Drive cross-functional execution across the AI Accelerator, ensuring that shipped AI capabilities translate into meaningful impact for the portfolio.

• Master’s degree in a Machine Learning, Computer Science, Computational Biology or a related discipline required; advanced degree (MS, MBA or PhD) is advantageous.
• Strong experience in high-leverage strategy or chief-of-staff roles; previous strategy experience in a consultancy firm is highly desirable.
• Strong project management skills and proven ability to drive complex cross-functional initiatives to closure in ambiguous environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and align senior leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing executive-level materials.
• Demonstrated execution excellence, with the ability to prioritise across multiple workstreams.
• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy and judgement when navigating organisational complexity.
• Comfortable working closely with technical and scientific teams, with the ability to learn and operate credibly in an AI and research environment.
• An understanding of AI and how it can support drug discovery and early clinical development is beneficial.

Second round interviews will take place 20th – 27th July. This is a hybrid role with approximately 3/4 days a week in the office.

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to building an exceptional workplace through strong people practices and supportive HR policies.