Technology Strategist, R&D IT

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
United States, California, San Rafael
Feb 27, 2025
Who We Are BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that relentlessly pursues bold science to translate genetic discoveries into new medicines that advance the future of human health. Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the underlying causes of genetic conditions to create transformative medicines, using a number of treatment modalities. Using our unparalleled expertise in genetics and molecular biology, we develop medicines for patients with significant unmet medical need. We enlist the best of the best - people with the right technical expertise and a relentless drive to solve real problems - and create an environment that empowers our teams to pursue bold, innovative science. With this distinctive approach to drug discovery, we've produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical and preclinical candidates that have well-understood biology and provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a substantial benefit over existing therapeutic options. About Corporate Groups It takes a village, and at BioMarin our corporate groups are the people behind our success. Groups such as IT, Finance, Legal, Global Compliance & Ethics, and our People Team provide foundational support of all areas of operation at BioMarin. JOB SUMMARY: The Head of R&D and Technical Operations IT is seeking a highly talented and motivated Technology Strategist to partner with R&D and co-create business plans powered by technology. We are seeking a dynamic, business savvy, leader to lead technology initiatives within the R&D space. Deep domain expertise across Research & Early Development, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D Operations is the most important aspect of this role. Experience supporting R&D activities for genetically defined conditions spanning commercial, clinical, and pre-clinical stage assets across small and large molecule modalities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of data and technology in the R&D area and a commitment to driving drug development through innovation and value creation. They will serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to R&Dteams globally, creating a R&Dtechnologystrategy aligned with business goals and enterprise technology strategy which identifies opportunities where ITcan both bring efficiencies and drive business innovation. This role will contribute to enterprise technology strategy and create opportunities for synergistic technology and data investments by partnering with Technology Strategists supporting the Technical Operations, Commercial, and Corporate functions. This role will also participate in technology oversight activities along with the R&D Solutions Delivery and Technology Foundations teams to align tech solutions for R&D areas and prioritize the portfolio of technology projects and ensure business interests are addressed for Cyber Security initiatives. KEY EXPECTATIONS: Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the IT strategy for the R&D function as driven by the Head of the R&D and Technical Operations IT in alignment with the objectives that will deliver transformative therapies to our patients based on a $700M+ annual R&D pipeline supporting 3 Commercial Business Units, development candidates for additional genetically defined therapeutic areas, and treatment modalities spanning small and large molecules. Partner with R&D leaders to co-create business plans powered by technology, in support of R&D objectives and corporate goals. Lead Technology Portfolio Governance (TPG) for R&D to prioritize technology investments and maintain and establish technology roadmaps. Demonstrate value delivered from past investments. Management Lead and develop a team of Technology Partners for R&D. Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance management for mix of employees and managed service providers. "Run IT as a business"-have a P&L mindset when managing operational budget and determining discretionary project investments to drive maximum value. Including managing the IT budget for the R&D IT organization and maintain budget targets and find/make tradeoffs as needed to meet potential changes in customer demand. Facilitate Business Reviews between IT and R&D Functions to align strategy, jointly measure success, and provide operational accountability and voice of customer feedback from R&D to the entire IT organization. Be an advocate of cyber security for R&D personnel and across R&D IT business and technical owners. Able to prioritize and deliver results with a high emphasis on quality, technical rigor and detail. Innovation Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth specific to the R&D area. Deep understanding of AI tools and use cases in the R&D space. Support a culture of continuous improvement and recommend best practices and new technologies including AI capabilities. Support initiatives to enhance data security, compliance, and risk management within the R&D IT landscape. Be a champion of productivity tools and drive campaigns in R&D to upgrade ways of working with modern technology (Ex: Microsoft Copilot). Growth Mindset Leverage platform centric approach and key vendors to allow for faster implementation of technology solutions and consolidation of data. Have zeal towards delighting customers through delivering high quality solutions. Foster a culture that is constantly improving quality and creating efficiencies. Value Commitment: Communicate IT strategies, initiatives, and performance metrics to broader organization partners and other stakeholders. Communications/Personal Interactions Ability to communicate complex information simply and effectively. Able to integrate feedback in a professional manner and thrives in multidisciplinary teams with members with highly diverse backgrounds. Proven track record of applying strategic thinking and demonstrating data-driven decisions. QUALIFICATIONS: Proven experience in the R&D space (IT or Business) with a passion for technology. Experience across a broad range of R&D functions.Research & Early Development, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D Operations Minimum BS/BA or greater related to computer science, business administration, or drug development. Minimum of 7 years of experience managing multi-disciplinary global team. Minimum of 7 years of experience portfolio management. Demonstrated experience building, leading, and nurturing high performing teams particularly through change. Experience with Agile development methodologies preferred Pharmaceutical or healthcare industry experience is highly desired Technologies (examples): AI. Including deploying AI applications and integrating AI into R&D workflows to deliver work automation. Veeva Microsoft Productivity Tools, Microsoft Azure, Azure OpenAI Service Databricks Knowledge of data analytics and customer insights tools. Familiarity with data security, compliance, and risk management practices. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee may frequently be required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand walk Use hands to finger, handle, or feel Reach with hands and arms Climb or balance Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. In the U.S., the salary range for this position is $ 180,000 to $ 270,000 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A discretionary bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.