DEPCS TA Lead, Ophthalmology

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This role is based in the Digital Endpoints and Patient-Centered Solutions (DEPCS) team, which is an innovative digital, AI, and tech function within Roche Product Development Data Sciences (PDD). Operating across the Science of Medicines and Operations, DEPCS is responsible for embedding patient-centered and AI-enabled digital solutions into the fabric of clinical research. By integrating data science, measurement science, and digital product thinking, DEPCS delivers scalable and regulatory-ready innovations that enhance trial design, evidence generation, and clinical value of Roche medicines.

The Opportunity:

As the Therapeutic Area (TA) Lead for Ophthalmology within the Digital Endpoints and Patient-Centered Solutions (DEPCS) function, you will provide strategic direction and cross-functional leadership to advance digital, AI, imaging, and patient-centered strategies supporting the therapeutic area. You will act as the primary DEPCS partner to stakeholders in Clinical Development, Biostatistics, Regulatory, GPS, pRED, and gRED, ensuring digital and measurement strategies are aligned with program needs and embedded into development decision-making. This role is critical to ensuring delivery of validated, scalable, and patient-relevant solutions, with a focus on late-stage development and regulatory readiness. You will lead TA-specific DEPCS planning, contribute to portfolio execution, and oversee cross-functional delivery in alignment with broader PD-DSA and Roche strategies.

• You align digital, AI, imaging, and patient-centered strategies for Ophthalmology with Roche’s broader PD-DSA, One Pharma goals, and other enterprise-wide initiatives

• You champion and integrate the 3Ds – Data, Digital/AI, and Design – into TA-level decision-making, product development, and clinical delivery

• You act as a role model for digital health leadership by promoting scientific rigor, practical feasibility assessment, operational excellence, and a learning mindset

• You ensure clear accountability and cross-functional alignment in the execution of TA-level innovation priorities

• You provide strategic leadership for DEPCS within Ophthalmology, translating enterprise and functional priorities into TA-specific roadmaps and initiatives

• You guide the integration of patient-centered solutions, digital endpoints, imaging algorithms, and AI capabilities into the drug development lifecycle

• You align DEPCS strategy for Ophthalmology within cross-functional and enterprise governance frameworks, contributing to PD-DSA strategy execution

• You anticipate scientific, regulatory, and technological trends and steer portfolio planning to maximize impact and value

• You represent the TA in DEPCS and cross-functional forums, shaping investment cases, resourcing needs, and platform alignment

• You influence decision-making in TA-level governance bodies (e.g., Development Boards) through delivery of validated and impactful digital innovations

• You act as the single point of contact and DEPCS lead for Ophthalmology, ensuring cohesive and responsive engagement with Clinical, Regulatory, GPS, Biostats, pRED, and gRED

• You build strong relationships with TA-aligned leaders across PDD to support seamless integration of digital, design, and data strategies into the therapeutic portfolio

• You collaborate with DEPCS internal capability leads (Imaging, PCOR, AI/ML, Data Validation) to enable fit-for-purpose innovation

• You foster partnerships with external collaborators (technology providers, academic institutions, regulators, and patient groups) to strengthen delivery and credibility

• You ensure TA representation in DEPCS and PDD planning processes and advocate for TA-specific needs in functional strategies

• You oversee assessment, validation, and implementation of DEPCS solutions across Ophthalmology, including digital endpoints, PROs/COAs, imaging tools, and health technologies

• You ensure all solutions adhere to scientific rigor, regulatory expectations, and patient-centric principles

• You drive reuse, scalability, and lifecycle governance of digital tools, in alignment with DEPCS productization strategy

• You support integration of digital modalities into platform trials, decentralized studies, and evidence generation frameworks

• You monitor emerging trends and lead adaptation of state-of-the-art digital/AI methodologies for clinical application

• You provide functional leadership and direction to TA-aligned DEPCS team members and experts (e.g., Imaging, Digital/PCOR), ensuring high-quality and timely delivery

• You set and manage mid-term operational and scientific goals for the team, balancing strategic impact with resource availability

• You mentor senior specialists and support their scientific growth and leadership development

• You coordinate closely with DEPCS functional leads and TA-aligned partners to align resourcing, project prioritization, and delivery expectations

• You contribute to a culture of cross-functional collaboration, psychological safety, and continuous learning within and beyond DEPCS

• You demonstrate respect for cultural differences when interacting with colleagues in the global workplace

Who you are: 

• You hold an advanced degree (MD, PhD preferred; MPH, MSc, or equivalent) in Medicine, Digital Health, Life Sciences, Measurement Science, Computer Science, or related field

• You bring 12+ years of experience in clinical development, digital innovation, or quantitative science in the pharmaceutical, medtech, or healthcare industry

• You have 3+ years of experience in senior leadership or cross-functional roles managing complex portfolios or teams

• You demonstrate the ability to lead TA-aligned digital strategy and deliver validated, impactful solutions within regulated environments

• You have strong knowledge of digital endpoints, measurement science, patient-reported outcomes, and AI/ML in clinical development

• You can work across functions and geographies, translating complex needs into practical implementation plans

• You bring experience in stakeholder engagement across Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, and Data Science functions

• You are familiar with platform governance, digital product lifecycle management, and FAIR principles

• You have knowledge of global regulatory expectations related to digital health, clinical technologies, and AI/ML

• You are able to represent Roche in external engagements, scientific consortia, and professional communities

• You are willing to travel (estimated 20%)

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $207,100-$384,500.  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
 

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