Head of Scientific Computing & Technology

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a Head of Scientific Computing & Technology who is visionary, and collaborative to join us in our Digital Technology team, based in our HQ office in Brussels, Belgium.

About the role

You will play a key role in improving patient outcomes by enabling research and early development (R&D) activities through innovative digital solutions and high-performance compute platforms. As part of the Digital Technology for R&eD leadership team, you will inspire and guide a team of technology professionals who design, build, deliver and support scientific software applications and compute platforms used by researchers across the organization. Your focus will be on high-performance compute (HPC) capabilities, leveraging artificial intelligence, together with integrated data architecture, to create advanced software and HPC platforms, enabling and elevating research and early development work at UCB. You will represent the team in relevant committees, co-leading the shaping of technology strategy and prioritize projects that drive innovation.

Who you'll work with

You will be working in a global team that sits at the heart of how technology enables scientific research, partnering with scientists, data specialists and technology colleagues to turn R&D needs into practical digital solutions, services and platforms. As a member of the Digital Technology for R&D leadership team, you will inspire not only your direct reports but also the wider organization, acting as a role model for collaboration, delivery and innovation. You will work closely with other technology leaders across IT infrastructure (network, cloud, storage) and IT security, as well as with Enterprise Architecture, Procurement and Legal colleagues, to ensure a state-of-the-art, consistent, secure approach to technology. You will also partner with the counterpart role responsible for gathering the scientific needs, allowing you to focus on technology enablement while staying connected to research requirements.

What you'll do

Steer the design of advanced technology solutions and high-performance compute platforms for scientific research

Lead, coach and inspire a diverse team of internal specialists and external contractors

Oversee planning, development, delivery, support and lifecycle management of the technology platform portfolio in scope of the role

Represent the team in relevant committees covering high-performance compute and project prioritization

Manage stakeholder relationships across research teams, IT infrastructure, IT security and Enterprise Architecture

Plan, manage and control technology budgets, ensuring disciplined and proactive investment decisions

Ensure all platforms remain secure, compliant and reliably operated at all times

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following education, experience and skills

Master's degree in computer science, engineering or a related technology field

8+ years of experience in technology leadership roles, including high-performance computing and software development, with strong knowledge of major cloud platforms

Five or more years of experience leading teams, including external contractors

Experience in a pharmaceutical or other regulated research environment is a plus

Proven experience managing technology budgets and driving informed decision-making

Fluent in English; knowledge of any other language is a plus

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us 

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us? 

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.