Solution Architect - Early Science

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.



We're resetting expectations for what a pharmaceutical company can be, turning ideas into life-changing medicines that benefit patients the world over, and making what was impossible yesterday the norm of tomorrow. Technology is our motivation. Become part of our Architecture team and set our technology blueprint of how we're going to deliver against AstraZeneca's business strategy.



About our R&D IT Architecture team

A place to do important work. We connect across the whole R&D business to power each function to better influence patient outcomes and improve their lives. Impactful and valuable, this is where you come to raise your profile and do good for others. Play an increasingly crucial role in driving disruptive transformation on our journey to becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. Unleash the power of our latest innovations in platforms, data, machine learning and technology to turn sophisticated information into life-changing and practical insights



ABOUT THE ROLE?

As the successful candidate, you will undertake a Solution Architect role in our major Programs/Projects aligned to Early Science Research. You will ensure that common architecture decisions support both business and IT strategies and that designs delivered, both logical and physical, are aligned with AZ architecture standards, blueprints, and roadmaps. You will assess and review the work of architecture designs and build a balance between the immediate and the strategic. You will also be instrumental in understanding 'As-Is' architectures and define/update 'To-Be' architectures applying guiding principles and frameworks.



The Solution Architect will also be accountable for driving solution evaluation and selection decisions, buy vs. build decisions and proof of concepts and early-phase project estimates which advise business case development.

You will be delivering feedback to the Enterprise Architect team on how to improve Architecture visions as well as documenting designs, standard methodologies, drive adoption of existing solutions and in partnership with other Architects promote new solutions for reuse.



We want to bring someone into the team who will share an ambitious attitude; you'll be a self-starter and independent thinker, owning solutions and striving to build new possibilities. Your passion and experience in the following areas will be key:

* Ensure that solution architectures and designs are appropriately robust and address business, application, information, and infrastructure architectural requirements.
* Partner with Project Managers, Business Analysts and Solution Engineers to build solutions that are aligned to AstraZeneca architecture standards and principles, use common solutions and services, and meet the financial targets (cost and benefits).
* Within the solution development lifecycle, predominantly Agile, the role will be accountable for architecting the solution design; starting with solution options evaluation and selection, buy vs. build decisions and early-phase project estimates which contribute to the business case.
* Partnering with Science partners, IT stakeholders and Enterprise Architects to gain consensus and be inspirational.
* Building an inclusive environment and collaborating with a diverse team to get the best outcomes.
* You will collaborate with Enterprise Architects, Solution Architects, Information Architects and Engineers and contribute to the crafting of forward-thinking applications, technologies, and solutions.
* The role will require a level of international travel.


If this interests you so far, please read on to discover what skills and experience we need…


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

* Degree or equivalent number of years of experience in a Computer Science or Data Management related field.
* Can demonstrate the ability to learn and understand new business domains, processes, and capabilities as a foundation to delivering solution designs of value.
* You will need excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative, enthusiastic approach to strategy and delivery.
* Able to influence and deliver Solution Architecture in terms of design, direction, and planning.
* Demonstrable experience of technical knowledge and experience of crafting and deploying solutions with large data sets on one or more cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google).
* Has problem solving skills based on well-developed levels of conceptual thought, strategic vision, analytical skills, and risk management.
* Experience in known industry architectural patterns and frameworks.
* Understands cloud-based containerization strategies for hybrid cloud environments.
* Understanding the appropriate data structure and technology based on business used cases.
* Ability to interpret and communicate technical information into business language.
* Present information on a technical subject in a concise and measured manner to the needs of the target audience.
* A strong interest in current and future developing and innovative technology, data, information and integration architectures.
* Agile solution design and agile project delivery.
* Experience and knowledge of Drug Discovery and Early Science Research Domain is a merit