Discovery Research Domain Expert, IT Business Analyst

Role Summary

The Discovery Research Domain Expert will act as a vital link between scientific teams investigating causal human biology and aligning biotherapeutic modalities with disease mechanisms, utilizing Research IT data solutions. This hands-on business analyst role requires deep familiarity with early discovery Life Sciences domains, strong analytical and communication skills, and a mindset centered on translating complex scientific needs into actionable IT requirements. The individual will work directly with predictive modelers, Biologics & Large Molecule (LM) lab scientists, Chemists, In Vivo Researchers, and data engineering teams to develop, improve, and support data products that drive scientific insight.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Research stakeholders (Biologics, Discovery Biotherapeutics, Next Gen Sequencing, Thematic Research Centers, Chemistry, DMPK, etc.) to understand data workflows and define business requirements.
• Translate scientific needs into technical specifications, user stories, and actionable requirements for IT and engineering teams.
• Shape and prioritize demand by mapping end-to-end processes, identifying root causes of friction, and focusing on business value creation.
• Serve as the voice of the scientist, ensuring product teams deliver solutions that reflect real-world context and meet evolving needs.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers to collect, test, validate, and continuously enhance data products for usability and quality.
• Develop and maintain field-level metadata, business glossaries, and contribute to FAIR-aligned practices (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
• Support scientific alignment of identifiers, terminology, and definitions across MI data sources to enhance downstream integration and analytics.
• Lead stakeholder assessments to anticipate friction, clarify expectations, and build sustained trust in data product capabilities.
• Bring an external perspective by monitoring industry trends and promoting novel approaches to data challenges.
• Communicate clearly and with influence-bridging scientific, technical, and strategic conversations across diverse audiences.
• Exhibit a growth mindset, demonstrating ownership for ongoing development in Business Analysis, AI/ML, and Pharmaceutical R&D.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences, informatics, or technical discipline.
• Direct experience in early life sciences domains, with explicit subject matter expertise in Molecular Invention research (e.g., Biologics, Sequencing, Protein Engineering, Antibody Discovery, Chemistry, etc.).
• Familiarity with Research workflows in pharmaceutical or biotech settings.
• 5+ years of experience in IT, informatics, or data-focused role within a scientific context.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across scientific and technical teams.
• Strong analytical and systems thinking skills with the ability to manage ambiguity.
• Ability to learn new tools and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• IIBA Certification or similar Business Analysis Certification, a strong plus.

Skills

• Strong commitment to a career in technology with a passion for healthcare.
• Analytical thinker with strong communication and collaboration skills, able to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of influencing without authority.
• Creative problem-solver who seeks to challenge norms and explore innovative solutions.
• Familiarity with data product development, data modeling, data mesh architecture, data governance, or analytics.