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- Tasks: Lead AI transformation in biotech, embedding AI across research and operations.
- Company: Join a network of fractional Heads of AI in the life sciences sector.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role with competitive compensation and impactful work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biotech by driving AI innovation and improving patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: 10-20+ years in AI, data, or digital transformation with leadership experience.
- Other info: Ideal for entrepreneurial leaders passionate about responsible AI in life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Head of AI is seeking exceptional leaders to join our network of fractional Heads of AI. Our mission is to help Biotechnology and life sciences organisations evolve into AI-enabled institutions — embedding AI strategically across their research, development, operations, and decision-making.
We are looking for individuals who combine deep technical fluency with board-level leadership, capable of guiding organisations as they adopt and scale the new era of generative and agentic AI. We work with organisations across biopharmaceuticals, drug discovery, genomics, clinical research, digital health, and medical devices, typically ranging from £20m–£500m+ in revenue. These organisations face increasing pressure to accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes while maintaining strong governance, regulatory compliance, and data integrity.
Our fractional Heads of AI support leadership teams in embedding AI capabilities that improve R&D efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and unlock new scientific and commercial value. We recognise that few professionals have completed a full AI transformation in life sciences. Therefore, we seek leaders with proven experience in digital, data, analytics, or operational transformation who are now applying that expertise to AI-led change. You understand how to translate ambition into action — guiding organisations through the cultural, operational, scientific, governance, and regulatory shifts required to unlock AI’s potential.
What We Are Looking For:
- AI-Driven Business Transformation Leaders: Proven experience leading complex transformation programmes where technology, data, and innovation reshaped business performance. Able to apply that experience to the generative AI era — guiding biotech and life sciences organisations through the shifts required to become AI-enabled. Can connect earlier digital, analytics, or automation expertise with today’s agentic and generative AI capabilities.
- Deep Technical Fluency: Fluent in modern AI ecosystems including generative AI, agentic systems, AI copilots, and orchestration frameworks (e.g. LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI). Understands how to combine traditional ML, analytics, and scientific data systems (e.g. genomics, clinical, real-world data) with emerging AI architectures to deliver measurable value.
- C-Suite and Board-Level Communicators: Able to simplify complex AI and scientific topics for executives and align AI investments with organisational strategy. Confident advising CEOs, CTOs, Chief Scientific Officers, and Boards on strategy, risk, governance, and ROI.
- Change Leaders: Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to drive adoption. Skilled in mentoring teams, developing AI literacy, and ensuring responsible AI practices. Understands data governance, regulatory requirements (e.g. GxP, FDA/EMA), and human-in-the-loop design needed for AI success in life sciences.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced environments. Curious about new AI tooling and pragmatic about implementation. Focused on delivering measurable outcomes through experimentation and iteration.
What We Are Not Looking For:
- Legacy executives without hands-on AI or GenAI understanding
- Academic or research-focused professionals without applied business outcomes
- Technologists who lack leadership or transformation delivery experience
- Consultants who only advise but have not led execution
- Corporate-only leaders reliant on large structures
Desired Profile Summary:
The ideal candidate will serve as a Fractional Head of AI / AI-Driven Transformation Leader, focused on helping biotech and life sciences organisations design and execute end-to-end AI strategies, roadmaps, execution plans, and governance frameworks. They will bring 10–20+ years of experience across AI, data, digital transformation, analytics, or life sciences innovation, with a proven ability to translate technology into measurable scientific and commercial outcomes. They are experienced transformation leaders — such as Heads of Data Science, Chief AI Officers, AI Strategy Leads, or Digital Transformation Leaders — who have evolved beyond model development into organisational change and value delivery. Candidates with a data science or bioinformatics foundation are welcome, provided they demonstrate fluency in modern AI technologies (LLMs, copilots, orchestration frameworks) and executive-level influence. They thrive in fractional roles (1–5 days per week) and bring an entrepreneurial, adaptable, and outcome-driven mindset. We welcome applications from professionals passionate about helping life sciences organisations harness AI responsibly and at scale.
Fractional Chief AI Officer / Head of AI - Biotech employer: Head of AI
Contact Detail:
Head of AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Chief AI Officer / Head of AI - Biotech
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn and attend biotech and AI events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that fractional Head of AI role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in AI-driven transformation. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss real-world applications of AI. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led AI initiatives in the past, especially in biotech or life sciences. This will demonstrate your deep technical fluency.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for exceptional leaders to join our network. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something big in the AI space!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Chief AI Officer / Head of AI - Biotech
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Fractional Chief AI Officer role. Highlight your experience in AI-driven transformation and how it aligns with our mission to help biotech organisations evolve into AI-enabled institutions.
Showcase Your Technical Fluency: We want to see your deep understanding of modern AI ecosystems. Include specific examples of how you've worked with generative AI, agentic systems, or orchestration frameworks in your previous roles to demonstrate your technical prowess.
Communicate Clearly: Remember, you’ll be advising C-suite executives, so simplify complex AI concepts in your application. Use clear language that shows you can bridge the gap between technical details and strategic business outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead AI transformation in life sciences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Head of AI
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest in generative AI and agentic systems. Brush up on frameworks like LangChain and AutoGen, and be ready to discuss how these can be applied in biotech settings. The more fluent you are in modern AI ecosystems, the better you'll impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led complex transformation programmes. Highlight your ability to connect digital and data expertise with AI capabilities. This is your chance to demonstrate how you’ve reshaped business performance in previous roles.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Practice simplifying complex AI concepts for a non-technical audience. You’ll likely be speaking with C-suite executives, so being able to align AI investments with organisational strategy is key. Think about how you can convey the ROI of AI initiatives clearly and confidently.
✨Emphasise Your Change Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've engaged stakeholders and driven adoption of new technologies. Share your experiences in mentoring teams and developing AI literacy. This role requires strong leadership, so showcasing your ability to navigate cultural and operational shifts will set you apart.