The MHRA is transforming. Through enabling innovation, making the right judgements of the benefits and risks of medical products and forging the right partnerships in the UK and internationally, it aims to deliver world class regulation and improved outcomes for UK patients.
We are currently looking for experienced Head, AI for Medicines Safety to join our Benefit/Risk Evaluation Team I in the Safety and Surveillance group.
Within a week of working here, your day could look like this: Responsible for the delivery of the MHRA's “Beyond ADMET: AI for Medicines Safety” regulatory sandbox. This strategic regulatory science initiative will explore how artificial intelligence can improve the prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) outcomes and integrate clinical and real-world data to support safer, faster and more efficient medicines development, ultimately strengthening patient safety.
The successful candidate will provide overall leadership for the programme, including its strategic vision, scientific direction and delivery priorities. The role requires a leader who can operate at the intersection of regulatory science, artificial intelligence, medicines development and patient safety, bringing together expertise from across the MHRA, academia, industry, government and the wider healthcare ecosystem.
The Head, AI for Medicine Safety will be accountable for ensuring that programme activities are scientifically and technically robust, and aligned with the MHRA strategic objectives. The postholder will act as the senior ambassador for the programme, building partnerships nationally and internationally, influencing emerging regulatory thinking, and helping position the MHRA as a global leader in AI-enabled regulation and patient safety science.
Initially focused on leading delivery of the “Beyond ADMET: AI for Medicines Safety” regulatory sandbox programme, the postholder will also contribute to the MHRA's broader strategic ambitions in AI-enabled regulatory science and innovation, with opportunities to apply their expertise across other priority areas as organisational needs evolve.
The successful candidate will have a 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 a 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.
Our successful candidate will have:
- 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.
- Experience leading complex strategic programmes, scientific portfolios or major innovation initiatives, and successful delivery of their outcomes.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and leading highly specialised technical experts.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders, operating effectively across organisational boundaries and working collaboratively with external partners including academia, industry, government and healthcare organisations.
Closing date: 01 November 2026
