Principal Scientist, Research Informatics (Cell and Genetic Therapies)

Business Systems Principal Analyst, Cell and Gene Therapy

As part of the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Research organization, the Principal Scientist, Research Informatics will function as a liaison between CGT Research and technical stakeholders to understand, define, and optimize the research data landscape including data acquisition, storage, analysis, machine learning, interpretation, visualization, and reporting. This Principal Scientist will collaborate across CGT research teams to identify areas for data process optimization and serve as the point of contact for the development of new data products and automation. The role will partner with data engineering, data computational, and data sciences teams and will be engaged in the cross-functional Lab of our Future digital transformation program to ensure the success of systems supporting CGT Research data.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Data Strategy, Management, and Integrity

• Understand and document the data landscape, including the cross-functional data dependencies among research teams and partnering groups such as manufacturing and pharmaceutical sciences.

• Leverage scientific expertise to build accurate understanding of specialized assays, methods, data types, and analyses, and challenge the status quo.

• Develop a cross-functional data model that reflects the data landscape and supports system implementations (e.g., Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), Instrument Data Capture, Sample Management).

• Identify areas for improved data processes and new data products, including automation, data storage and backup, processing, analytics, visualization, and reporting.

• Oversee development of new data products and drive adoption with research teams.Enable the translation of data requirements into product requirements and evaluate and test new systems and capabilities.

• Ensure that the data used within the data products is clean, secure, and adheres to data integrity and compliance policies in partnership with Quality Assurance.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as a primary liaison between researchers, stakeholders, and technical teams to define data needs and projects requirements.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure implementation of project plans and develop risk management mitigations where appropriate.

• Conduct regular meetings with Research SMEs to better understand data needs and dependencies.

Leadership Communication and Training Support

• Communicate the data needs to the Research Leadership team and align priorities and budget management.

• Participate in digital transformation programs including the Lab of our Future, serve as point of contact in cross-functional workstreams, and report updates to leadership.

• Increase data literacy and acumen of research scientists. Own systems training and mentoring in collaboration with technical teams and drive system adoption.

Knowledge and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of Biopharma industry and specific functions within the industry.

• Experience in data acquisition, storage solution, and data pipeline development.

• Familiarity with data governance, compliance, and security best practices.

• Cross-functional leadership skills and can exemplify a highly collaborative mindset.

• Strong communication skills both with research scientists and technical teams.

• Demonstrate an ability to explain clearly and concisely complex technical or business processes.

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex business problems by collaborating across organizational boundaries.

• Very strong Project/Program management skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences or equivalent.

• 6+ years of experience as a bench scientist in a cell and gene therapy function.

• Experience using and/or managing research data and bioinformatics systems such as an ELN, databases, data analytics, presentation, and visualization tools.