Location
10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£75,585 - £84,840 per annum plus benefits

About the Role
We are seeking a Head, AI for Medicines Safety to join the Benefit Risk Evaluation I Function within the Safety & Surveillance Group at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This permanent, full-time role offers a unique opportunity to lead the MHRA's “Beyond ADMET: AI for Medicines Safety” regulatory sandbox, a strategic initiative exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) outcomes. The programme integrates clinical and real-world data to support safer, faster, and more efficient medicines development, ultimately strengthening patient safety.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Benefit Risk Evaluation I, you will provide overall leadership, strategic vision, scientific direction, and delivery priorities for the programme. This role requires a leader capable of operating at the intersection of regulatory science, AI, medicines development, and patient safety, collaborating with experts across MHRA, academia, industry, government, and the wider healthcare ecosystem.

You will be accountable for ensuring the programme's scientific and technical robustness and alignment with MHRA’s strategic objectives. As senior ambassador, you will build national and international partnerships, influence emerging regulatory thinking, and position MHRA as a global leader in AI-enabled regulation and patient safety science.

The role involves leading a multidisciplinary team of technical and regulatory specialists and programme delivery staff, ensuring complementary expertise across all domains. Beyond the immediate focus on the “Beyond ADMET” sandbox, you will contribute to MHRA’s broader AI-enabled regulatory science ambitions and innovation initiatives.

MHRA is implementing a flexible hybrid working model with a minimum of 8 days per month on site, which may flex up to 12 days depending on business needs. Remote working options may be discussed with the recruiting manager.

Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience in one or more relevant disciplines including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computational Modelling, Pre-clinical Assessment, Toxicology and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), Pharmacology, Drug Discovery or Development, Healthcare Data Science, or related scientific areas.
- Proven track record of leading complex strategic programmes, scientific portfolios, or major innovation initiatives with successful delivery of outcomes.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and leading highly specialised technical experts.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries and with external partners including academia, industry, government, and healthcare organisations.

About You
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to create an inclusive culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communicator and senior ambassador capable of building strategic relationships nationally and internationally.
- Adaptable and flexible, able to respond to emerging technologies, scientific developments, and changing business needs.
- Committed to promoting ethical, positive, and inclusive working environments aligned with MHRA values and Civil Service behaviours.

Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant scientific, technical or healthcare discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as artificial intelligence, computational biology, pharmacology, toxicology, data science, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical sciences or related discipline.
- Recognised expertise in either Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science or Computational Modelling; or Pharmacology, Toxicology, Drug Development, NAMs or related life science disciplines.
- Broad understanding of the wider AI and medicines development ecosystem with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams spanning both domains.
- Ability to evaluate scientific evidence and emerging technologies and translate findings into regulatory and strategic recommendations.