Learning & Development Associate Director, Biopharma R&D

Are you ready to unlock human potential and drive global impact through innovative, AI-enabled digital learning in a scientific setting?

As L&D Associate Director in Biopharma R&D, you will be instrumental in transforming how our global scientific community learns, collaborates, and applies their knowledge. You will lead the creationof engaging, digital learning experiencesthat simplify complex scientific concepts and prepare colleagues to tackle real-world challengesin patient-focused research.

A central aspect of the role iscontributing to the Navigate R&D Learning Experience, by designing and implementing digital experiential learning quests. These will enable learners to immerse in authentic business scenarios, leveraging advanced digital tools such as mobile applications, AI-powered simulations and virtual agents to deliver collaborative, real-time learning. 

You will continuouslychampionnew learning approaches, apply data-driven insights to enhance content and learning pathways, and work with experts and vendors to maintain relevance and maximise impact. By partnering closely with scientific and technical stakeholders, you will ensure that learning strengthens foundational knowledge while also developing creative problem-solving and collaboration needed to advance R&D in a dynamic landscape. 

As a key architect of a modern learning environment, you will foster experimental thinking, personalise the learner journey through technology, and drive measurable outcomes for scientific innovation and business success. 

Reporting to the Head of Learning & Development within Biopharma R&D, you will work independently and collaboratively within a small, global team. Embedded in the Data Science and AI function of Biopharma R&D, you’ll have opportunities to learn fromleadingexpertsandapply cutting edge solutions thattransform the way people learn at work.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the design and development of modern, engaging digital learning content, including interactive eLearning, mobile applications, and AI-powered simulations that support scientific capability building in Biopharma R&D.

• Drive the conception, implementation, and global rollout of experiential learning quests for the Navigate R&D programme, empowering R&D cohorts to solve real-world business scenarios using digital technologies and collaboration tools.

• Pilot, evaluate, and integrate innovative learning technologies and methodologies, leveraging data insights and feedback to continuously refine and scale new approaches in support of R&D priorities.

• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams, partnering with scientific experts, business leaders, ITand external vendors to ensure learning content and experiences are relevant, high-quality, and aligned with both technical and strategic objectives.

• Effectively project manage major learning initiatives, enabling seamless delivery, effective stakeholder engagement, and measurable learner impact within agile, dynamic environments.

• Champion the adoption of AI and digital solutions in learning, helping build a culture of experimentation, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the R&D learning community—even in fast-paced and ambiguous settings.

To succeed in this role, you should demonstrate:

• Digital Learning Design Expertise: Proven ability to create and deliver engaging digital learning resources using eLearning platforms, mobile apps, learning simulations, and AI-driven tools, with a clear focus on modern, forward-thinking approaches.

• Innovative and Future-Focused Mindset: Comfortable piloting and scaling new learning solutions, conceptualising experiential programmes—such as scenario-based learning—and consistently seeking opportunities to apply emerging technologies and instructional methods.

• Technical Acumen: Familiarity with scientific, technical, or pharmaceutical contexts and skill in translating complex R&D concepts into accessible and interactive learning for diverse global audiences.

• Data & AI Competency: Experience leveraging learning analytics, data insights, and AI-powered tools to personalize and improve learning, with a readiness to evaluate and adopt new digital solutions as they evolve.

• Project Leadership: Strong skills in managing cross-functional teams, leading pilots, and coordinating vendor relationships to deliver innovative learning projects that drive measurable impact.

• Collaboration & Influence: Ability to build effective partnerships with business leaders, scientists, and technology vendors, and communicate clearly to motivate and engage learners and stakeholders at all levels in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Adaptability & Growth Orientation:Demonstrated bias for action, comfort with ambiguity, and readiness to continuously learn and adapt; willingness to experiment and iterate for optimal learning outcomes.
  

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or higher degree in a scientific, technical, or learning-focused discipline (advanced qualifications in L&D and/or pharma highly desirable).

• Experience:Demonstrated experience in learning and development, ideally within pharma, scientific, or technical settings.

• Technology: Hands-on experience with digital learning platforms, content creation tools, and experience or a keen interest in AI-powered solutions.

• Language: Excellent command of spoken and written English.

We welcome applications from experienced learning professionals eager to grow within a scientific/technical environment, or those with a digital and AI background, and strong motivation to apply these skills in the Learning and Development area.