Strategic Data & R&D IT Governance Lead

Role Purpose

Cognizant is seeking seasoned professionals to join our Strategic Advisory team supporting Client’s Digital Research Application Landscape Transformation. This is a long-term engagement where you will act as a trusted advisor and governance lead, guiding a multi-vendor implementation aligned with enterprise IT governance and FAIR principles.

• Program Governance & Oversight: Lead governance cadence, risk management, and stakeholder alignment for a multi-vendor program.
• Vendor Evaluation & Selection: Drive structured RFP processes, vendor demos, and scoring for prioritized systems (ELN, inventory, assay management).
• Solution Recommendations: Prepare business cases, cost estimates, and phased implementation roadmap aligned with Waltham site move.
• Strategic Advisory: Ensure alignment with enterprise IT and FAIR principles; advise on interoperability and compliance.
• Change Management Leadership: Define stakeholder engagement, training plans, adoption KPIs, and communication strategy.
• Continuous Advisory: Act as a key member of Client’s team, enabling collaboration and informed decision-making.

• Pharma R&D IT Strategy – AS-IS/TO-BE process design, application landscape planning.
• Domains – ELN, LIMS, Raw Data Management, Automated Data Flows, CRO Data Exchange, FAIR Data Management & Visualization.
• Program Management – Large-scale transformation programs, governance frameworks, risk mitigation.
• Vendor Selection & Integration Strategy – Proven experience in multi-vendor environments.
• Change Management – Stakeholder engagement, adoption KPIs, communication planning.
• Strong documentation, communication, and leadership skills.

• Experience with scientific modalities (peptides, proteins, small molecules, biologics).
• Experience with LIMS/ELN, lab automation, multimodal data, precision medicine, CMC.
• Familiarity with data governance, security, and interoperability standards.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (GDPR, IP, data protection).
• Tools:
  Lab Ware, STARLIMS, Benchling, Dotmatics, IDBS preferred.
• GenAI:
  Awareness of RAG, prompt design basics.

• PhD from a reputed institution.
• Strong consulting and BD exposure in Life Sciences R&D.

Please note this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

Applications will be accepted until Feb 29, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $75,000 - $132,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.