Associate Vice President - Architecture4Insight, Data Foundry

Role Summary

AVP of Architecture4Insight will lead the data architecture and scientific software infrastructure pillar within Data Foundry, directing a team of data architects, data engineers, and scientific software developers. This leader will build foundational systems that enable AI-native molecule discovery for both human scientists and autonomous AI agents. You will own the enterprise data architecture strategy for small molecule discovery—including ontologies, schema design, APIs, metadata frameworks, FAIR-compliant data infrastructure, and data capture workflows—while collaborating with Methods4Insight, Automation & Scale4Insight, and Preparedness4Insight. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in data architecture and governance in pharma/biotech and can translate complex scientific needs into scalable technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Architecture4Insight team, including data architects, data engineers, scientific software developers, and data integration specialists.
• Define and implement the enterprise data architecture strategy for small molecule discovery, ensuring data is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and AI/ML-ready.
• Establish and own critical architectural components: ontologies, schema design, metadata frameworks, controlled vocabularies, and data models for chemical, biological, and automation-generated data.
• Lead strategy for evolving data capture systems (LIMS, ELNs, instrumentation integration) to support AI-native discovery workflows with real-time, machine-actionable data.
• Lead a scientific software engineering team that rapidly prototypes custom applications, workflow tools, and interfaces to support discovery scientists’ evolving needs.
• Collaborate closely with Methods4Insight, Automation & Scale4Insight, and Preparedness4Insight to ensure Architecture4Insight serves as the enabling foundation across all Data Foundry pillars.
• Establish and maintain a clear operating model with Tech@Lilly defining roles, responsibilities, and handoff criteria for transitioning prototypes to production-grade enterprise systems.
• Partner with the Frontier AI team to ensure data infrastructure and APIs robustly support autonomous agent workflows and laboratory automation control.
• Champion a culture of data quality, integrity, and continuous improvement across all systems and workflows.
• Build and develop a world-class team, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and career development.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, or related STEM field
• Required: 15+ years of progressive experience in data architecture, scientific software development, or research informatics, with significant pharma/biotech industry experience.
• Preferred: Experience deploying AI/ML solutions or supporting AI agent workflows in a discovery or research setting.
• Preferred: Experience building or implementing LIMS, ELN, or enterprise data ecosystems in biotech/pharma.
• Preferred: Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed, global organization.
• Preferred: Deep expertise in data modeling, data governance frameworks, FAIR principles, metadata management, and modern data integration patterns.
• Preferred: Proven ability to translate scientific needs into data and informatics strategies.
• Preferred: Strong communication and collaboration skills across scientific, technical, and executive stakeholders.
• Preferred: Track record of driving innovation in data infrastructure and enabling new scientific capabilities.
• Preferred: Strategic thinking with demonstrated ability to balance long-term architecture vision with pragmatic, iterative delivery.
• Preferred: Passion for mentoring and empowering teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: The role requires travel.