Digital Innovation Research Director

Role Summary

The Digital Innovation Research Director leads and drives innovative research methods across the portfolio by utilizing decentralized, pragmatic trial strategies and digital health initiatives. This role serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and strategic partner to product and study teams, providing thought leadership and operational guidance for integrating digital and innovative solutions across the product development lifecycle. The role may also assume direct study-level responsibility when needed to ensure seamless execution and alignment with program goals.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the digital medicine strategy aligned with post marketing, clinical development, product, and portfolio needs.
• Represent the Digital Medicine function across cross-functional and governance meetings, influencing strategic decisions.
• Serve as SME to product and clinical study teams to identify opportunities for innovative research integration, including DCT elements, DHT and pragmatic study designs for efficiency and cost management of studies.
• Advise on the selection, validation, and implementation of digital tools, wearables, remote monitoring technologies, and digital endpoints.
• Provide leadership in the design, planning, and execution of decentralized and pragmatic trials.
• Stay current with emerging digital health trends, technologies, regulatory guidance, and industry standard processes.
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with external innovators, startups, technology providers, and academic institutions
• Act as the central point of contact for Digital Medicine internally and externally, including interactions with vendors, investigators, and functions conducting the studies.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Safety, Strategic Sourcing and related teams to ensure successful execution of trials with innovative methods.
• Oversee the operational aspects of digital solution deployment in clinical trials, including vendor management, budget planning, and risk mitigation.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (e.g., study time reduction, patient retention, enrollment, cost).
• Lead change management to drive cultural and organizational adoption of innovative research methods.

Qualifications

• Required: Doctorate degree and 4 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience
• Preferred: Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, public health, or related field (PhD, MD, PharmD, or MSc preferred).
• Preferred: Minimum of 8 years of experience in clinical development, digital health, or related field, including leadership in DCTs and pragmatic trials. Preferably in cardiovascular, rare diseases, oncology and inflammation.
• Preferred: Deep understanding of clinical trial operations, regulatory requirements, and digital health technologies.
• Preferred: Proven experience implementing digital strategies in clinical research at a global or regional level.
• Preferred: Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence across levels and functions.
• Preferred: Entrepreneurial approach, with a strong focus on innovation, patient-centricity, and data-driven decision-making.
• Preferred: Familiarity with digital platforms, and wearables is a plus.