Domain Architect - Pharma R&D

Domain Architect – Pharma R&DAt Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.The PositionThe Domain Architect – Pharma R&D is a senior, pivotal role within the SPG Enterprise Architecture Business Partnering Functions team. This role serves as the critical connector between the Strategy, Portfolio & Governance (SPG) organization and the Pharma R&D function. Reporting directly to the Head of Enterprise Architecture Business Partnering Functions with a dotted line to the Global Head of Digital Technology - Pharma R&D, you will champion our enterprise architecture practices while deeply understanding the unique complexities of the Pharma R&D environment.Crucially, in our federated RDT model, you will act as the principal orchestrator of the Pharma R&D architecture network. By leading this network—which includes yourself alongside all domain architects embedded directly within the Pharma R&D organization—you will drive architecture governance and strategy formulation, ensure enterprise coherence, and translate business goals into adaptable, future-ready technology roadmaps.Job ResponsibilitiesStrategic Business Partnering: Act as the strategic liaison between SPG and Pharma R&D. Partner with the Global Head of Digital Technology - Pharma R&D and the R&D DT Leadership team to align business priorities with multi-year technology roadmaps and target-state architectures.Architecture Network Orchestration: Lead the Pharma R&D architecture network by shaping and promoting shared strategic priorities. Enable Domain and Solution Architects to execute efficiently while maintaining alignment and leveraging shared principles and platforms.Architecture Governance Leadership: Provide leadership for governance activities across Pharma R&D in collaboration with function embedded domain architects. Oversee architecture deliverables, technology guardrails, and create alignment on non-functional requirements (e.g., security, resilience).Critical Program Delivery & Domain Success: Drive the success of large, critical technology programs in Pharma R&D. Translate strategy into action and ensure transformative initiatives deliver intended business value while providing architectural oversight.Domain Architecture Deliverables: Lead the development and upkeep of core domain architecture artifacts for Pharma R&D. Ensure data accuracy across the technology and application inventory using the ArchiMEDES toolchain, delivering key outputs such as Capability Maps, Target-State Architectures, and Architecture Standards.Portfolio & Investment Alignment: Work with Pharma R&D Portfolio Management to embed architectural insights into investment decisions. Evaluate the impacts of strategies, address architectural gaps, and prevent fragmentation by maximizing platform reuse and minimizing technical debt.Technology Innovation & Vendor Evaluation: Monitor emerging technology trends and evaluate vendors to ensure alignment with Pharma R&D needs. Stay updated on vendor developments to maintain an effective and future-ready architecture.QualificationsEducation / ExperienceBachelor's or Master's degree with 7+ years of experience in IT and architectureDeep domain experience within the Pharma R&D environment. Comprehensive understanding of the scientific, clinical, and regulatory processes (e.g., Clinical Trials, Biometrics, Discovery, Regulatory Affairs) that move life-changing medicines forward.A successful history of contributing as a senior Domain or Enterprise Architect within complex, matrixed, or federated global organization.Technical SkillsProficiency in designing target-state architectures, capability models, and evolving roadmaps that stay aligned with complex Pharma R&D business needs.Strong knowledge of modern digital platforms relevant to Pharma R&D (data ecosystems, computational science platforms, lab operations, AI/ML).Cross-domain technical fluency spanning Pharma R&D processes such as Clinical Trial Execution, Biometrics & Clinical Evidence, Discovery & Preclinical, Patient Safety, Regulatory Affairs, and lab operations (LIMS, ELN). Must be able to challenge and align Solution Architects embedded across these specific product domains.Regulatory-aware architecture in Pharma R&D (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11, GxP, GCP, GLP) — able to meet strict clinical and regulatory compliance requirements without defaulting to heavyweight or rigid processesApplication portfolio rationalization: dependency mapping, decommissioning sequencing, data migration, and the governance to sunset legacy systems without breaking business continuityKnowledge of architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) as a referenceExperience utilizing flexible delivery methodologies to drive meaningful value, prioritizing practical outcomes over rigid process adherence.A thorough and pragmatic approach to developing sustainable, outcome-driven solutions.Additional QualificationsNetwork & Community Leadership: Demonstrated ability in leading and influencing federated networks of architects without direct reporting lines. Inspires and empowers diverse partners to align and act with a unified voice.Strategic Advisory & Executive Influence: Builds trust and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and Global Function Heads. Combines business acumen and executive presence to guide strategic decisions and influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.Effective Communication: Excels in storytelling, translating complex architectural concepts into relatable narratives. Balances enterprise coherence (ensured by SPG) with the agility and autonomy of local Pharma R&D execution.Compensation & BenefitsThis position also offers an attractive benefits package.Learn more about how we reward our employees at Roche.This job is posted in multiple locations. If you're applying for the role in an alternative location where pay transparency regulations apply, the Talent Acquisition Partner will share the local pay information with you ahead of any business interview.Who We AreA healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100'000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.Let's build a healthier future, together.Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.