At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT & AI infrastructure to revolutionise biotech medicine discovery.
- Company: Fast-scaling BioTech firm in Central London with a mission to innovate healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, healthcare, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of medicine with cutting-edge technology and AI.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in senior IT roles, experience in AWS and enterprise security.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on creativity, collaboration, and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 86000 - 120000 £ per year.
Robert Half has partnered with a fast-scaling BioTech based in London. We believe patients deserve better - and faster. That requires unconventional thinking, advanced computation, and a relentless drive to do things differently. We are an ambitious biotech organisation uniting AI, computation, and RNAi to accelerate the discovery of differentiated therapies with real-world impact. Our teams thrive on complexity, creativity, and collaboration, and we move quickly to turn insight into action.
As we continue to scale, we are seeking a Director of IT & AI Infrastructure to lead our enterprise technology, security, and AI enablement strategy at a pivotal moment in our journey.
The Role
Reporting to the VP, Head of Applied AI & Informatics, this role owns enterprise IT operations, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI enablement across the organisation. You will be accountable for safeguarding systems, data, and intellectual property, while ensuring our technology estate actively accelerates R&D and commercial productivity. This is a highly visible leadership role at the intersection of IT, security, AI, and biotech R&D, offering the opportunity to shape how AI is embedded responsibly and effectively across the business.
What You'll Do
- Infrastructure & Operations
- Lead Microsoft 365 and end-user computing environments
- Oversee AWS cloud architecture supporting discovery and computational platforms
- Ensure availability, performance, backup, and disaster recovery readiness
- Establish infrastructure standards, documentation, and operational best practice
- Deploy AI-enabled IT automation for monitoring, support, and knowledge management
- Partner with internal AI teams to support secure and efficient AI workloads
- Security & Compliance
- Own the end-to-end cybersecurity posture across all systems
- Implement access controls, monitoring, and incident response frameworks
- Maintain compliance with GDPR, SOC 2 and other relevant standards
- Conduct regular security audits, penetration testing, and risk assessments
- Manage third-party vendors and security risk
- Govern secure use of enterprise AI platforms (e.g. generative AI tools), protecting IP and sensitive data
- Define and enforce responsible AI, data sharing, and access control policies
- Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and deliver a multi-year IT and AI infrastructure roadmap
- Evaluate emerging technologies relevant to biotech, R&D, and computational science
- Define IT governance and risk management aligned to regulatory needs
- Own IT budget, licensing, and vendor relationships
- Partner with R&D leadership on capacity planning and infrastructure strategy
- Drive enterprise adoption of secure AI tools, including training teams to embed AI into daily workflows
- Advise senior leadership on AI, security, and operational efficiency
Skills & Experience
Essential
- 8+ years in senior IT or infrastructure leadership roles, ideally in regulated environments (biotech, pharma, healthcare)
- Strong experience managing AWS production environments
- Proven success building and maturing enterprise security programmes
- Hands-on expertise with Microsoft 365 and identity platforms (Azure AD / Entra ID)
- Deep understanding of IAM, network security, and encryption
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Working knowledge of enterprise AI platforms and architectures
- Experience defining or governing AI use in data-sensitive or regulated settings
- Ability to translate AI opportunity and risk into practical enterprise outcomes
Nice to Have
- Experience in high-growth or early-stage biotech/pharma
- Familiarity with GxP, HIPAA, or similar frameworks
- Exposure to data platforms, MLOps, or AI/ML infrastructure in R&D contexts
- Ownership of SOC 2 or similar certifications
Benefits
- Committed to Care: Healthcare, pension/401(k), and life assurance
- Celebrating Success: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and recognition awards
- Unlocking Potential: Dedicated personal development time and learning budget
- Enjoying Life: Social and wellbeing initiatives and a competitive holiday/PTO policy
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.
Director of IT & AI in London employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of IT & AI in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the biotech and AI sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your projects, especially those related to IT and AI in regulated environments. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of AWS, cybersecurity, and AI tools. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of IT & AI in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of IT & AI role. Highlight your leadership in IT, security, and AI, and don’t forget to mention any relevant biotech experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about transforming medicine through technology. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes where possible. Whether it's improving system performance or leading a successful AI project, numbers speak volumes. We love seeing how you've made a real impact in your past positions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially AWS, Microsoft 365, and AI platforms. Brush up on your knowledge of cybersecurity practices and compliance standards like GDPR and SOC 2, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences, particularly in IT or infrastructure roles. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led teams or projects, especially in regulated environments like biotech or pharma. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge in a high-stakes role.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the company’s goals and how they aim to revolutionise medicine discovery through technology. Be ready to articulate how your vision aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their ambitious plans for AI and IT infrastructure.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have insightful questions ready that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their current IT challenges, how they envision AI integration, or what success looks like for the Director of IT & AI Infrastructure in the first year. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.