Associate Director / Director, AI & Innovation

The Associate Director / Director (position depends on experience), AI & Innovation will lead and execute data-driven initiatives at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), medical imaging, and clinical research, with a particular focus on ophthalmology, imaging biomarkers, and translational research applications.

This role is ideal for a hands-on, entrepreneurial individual with strong technical expertise in applied AI and quantitative methods, particularly in medical imaging and biomarker development, who thrives in a highly collaborative and fast-moving biotech environment. The individual will work closely with clinical, scientific, and external partners to translate innovative AI-powered approaches into meaningful scientific and clinical impact.

The role offers substantial opportunity for ownership, visibility, and professional growth, including exposure to strategic initiatives and external collaborations.

Responsibilities: 

Drive AI & Innovation Initiatives

• Support and execute high-impact AI initiatives in clinical development and translational research
• Translate clinical and scientific questions into data-driven solutions
• Ensure solutions drive decision-making and clinical impact, not just technical outputs

Lead and Execute Projects

• Own and drive projects from concept to execution
• Ensure delivery against timelines, milestones, and quality standards
• Contribute to prioritization and coordination across multiple initiatives

Hands-on Technical Contribution

• Apply and guide development of machine learning/computer vision models
• Work with imaging data (i.e., OCT) and clinical datasets
• Critically assess methods, outputs, and statistical robustness
• Contribute to scalable and reproducible technical workflows and standards

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with clinical, medical, scientific, and external stakeholders
• Translate between technical and non-technical audiences
• Act as a interface across functions and leadership, aligning stakeholders on priorities and decisions

External Partnerships

• Support collaborations with academia, startups, CROs, and technology partners
• Contribute to evaluation of external technologies and innovative solutions
• Participate in external scientific interactions and collaborative initiatives

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, Masters, or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., data science, biomedical engineering, physics, medicine)
• Industry experience in biotech, pharma, medtech, healthcare AI, or related areas
• Exposure to ophthalmology or medical imaging applications (strongly preferred)
• Experience with machine learning, computer vision, and/or quantitative analysis of medical imaging data
• Familiarity with clinical research, imaging biomarkers, or translational science (highly desirable)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across disciplines
• Self-driven, adaptable, and motivated to operate in a dynamic startup environment

What We’re Looking For (Beyond the CV): 

• Someone who doesn’t wait for structure but creates it
• A collaborative problem-solver who can bridge AI, clinical science, and real-world application
• A hands-on innovator with curiosity, ownership, and a strong bias toward execution
• Someone who continuously asks: “Will this meaningfully improve decisions, clinical development, or patient outcomes?”

This role is highlighted as a London hybrid role.  We will accept applications from within Europe

Equal Opportunities

At AAVantgarde, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. All applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

Recruitment Policy

AAVantgarde’s HR team leads all recruitment activities for AAVantgarde globally. AAVantgarde will not recognise any notional ownership recruitment companies claim to hold over candidates they present directly to hiring managers without the AAVantgarde HR team’s consent, nor any fees the recruitment company may feel are due as a result of this. Unsolicited resumes sent to AAVantgarde from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and AAVantgarde and do not obligate AAVantgarde to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring managers or employees. If you are interested in becoming a recruitment partner please email the HR team at recruitment@aavantgarde.com