Scientific Digital Product Lead, Assay Workflows

About the role

Roche's Computational Sciences Center of Excellence (CS CoE) is building a data and digital ecosystem to accelerate drug discovery and development. Within its Data and Digital Catalysts (DDC) department, the new Scientific Digital Product Lead for Assay Workflows reports to the Domain Head of Assay Workflows. The role bridges science and digital innovation, turning complex laboratory workflows into scalable, automated and AI-powered platforms, and acts as the strategic engine behind the data infrastructure for experimental scientists and AI/ML research teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refine the product family strategy within the Assay Workflows domain, aligned with key strategic initiatives.
• Integrate products (applications/platforms) into the evolving data and digital ecosystem and help consolidate and deprecate legacy systems to reduce technical debt.
• Shape the needs of scientists into actionable plans, guiding cross-functional teams, nurturing stakeholder partnerships and managing expectations.
• Work with technical, engineering and data experts to build assay data workflows with scalable automation and modular concepts.
• Drive business analysis, manage budgets and oversee external workforce contributions.
• Anticipate emerging capabilities and integrate them into strategic roadmaps, and build trusted internal and external partnerships.

Required profile

• PhD or Master's degree in life sciences, computer science or a related field, with 3+ years of professional experience in drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on data and digital innovation.
• Deep knowledge of Pharma R&D, including preclinical assay workflows, preclinical imaging (digital pathology, biomedical imaging, optical screening, research microscopy) and complex in vitro models.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional projects; experience in platform strategy, advanced product management, business analysis and change management is highly valued, with prior drug discovery experience preferred.
• Quick learner, adaptable in ambiguous situations, and able to communicate across diverse audiences.

Required skills

• Technical and engineering skills such as Python and workflow development are a strong advantage.
• Advanced product and program/project management, business analysis and budget management.