Head, Ophthalmology Precision Medicine, Medical Director (MD) in Welwyn

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

Within Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), our Ophthalmology teams are redefining how precision medicine can transform the detection and treatment of complex retinal diseases. This is a rare opportunity to build a new function from the ground up — establishing an Ophthalmology Precision Medicine group at our Welwyn site that brings together biomarker science, advanced imaging, clinical expertise, and artificial intelligence. You will have the platform, pipeline, and resources to shape something truly new in one of the most dynamic areas of ophthalmic research.

The Opportunity

• Build a new Ophthalmology Precision Medicine function from the ground up — defining the vision, structure, and scientific direction for a group that integrates biomarkers, advanced imaging, clinical science, and AI across the pRED Ophthalmology portfolio.
• Lead a cross-functional expert team spanning translational medicine, imaging, clinical development, data science, and biomarker disciplines — ensuring precision medicine is at the heart of our Ophthalmology strategy.
• Bridge laboratory science and clinical practice by steering the generation of robust fluid- and imaging biomarker strategies that enable project and disease area decisions.
• Advance innovation in imaging science by directing cutting-edge ophthalmic imaging approaches including OCT, OCT-A, and FA to inform future clinical practice and therapeutic development.
• Enable translational insights through AI and data by integrating preclinical and clinical datasets using classical and next-generation analytical approaches.
• Influence portfolio strategy across multiple retinal diseases including neovascular AMD, diabetic macular edema, geographic atrophy, and intermediate AMD — driving the direction and future of clinical development and research.
• Represent Roche externally through strong partnerships with scientific experts, investigators, and the broader ophthalmology community — remaining at the forefront of innovation.

Who you are

• You are a board-certified ophthalmologist (MD or MD/PhD) with deep expertise in ophthalmology, translational medicine, or biomedical sciences.
• You are a recognised expert in the retina space, with a strong scientific publication record and standing as a key opinion leader in your field.
• You have deep knowledge of ophthalmic imaging technologies (OCT, OCT-A, FA) and experience with imaging analysis or Reading Centre environments.
• You are experienced in integrating preclinical and clinical data to support proof of biology, efficacy, and safety strategies, with some exposure to clinical trials.
• You are a collaborative scientific leader who thrives in matrix environments, energised by innovation and the opportunity to build something new.

Preferred

• Experience applying AI or machine learning to ophthalmic imaging analysis or clinical data interpretation.
• Prior experience in pharmaceutical drug development programmes for retinal diseases.
• Flexible working arrangements may be available for exceptional candidates who wish to maintain some clinical activity alongside this role.

If building a world-class precision medicine function and shaping the future of ophthalmic therapy development is the kind of challenge that excites you — apply now and help us bring transformative medicines to patients faster.