Director, Data & Technology

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

Terrana is seeking a Director, Data  & Technology  to  develop  and lead the company-wide capabilities that convert data, software, ML/ AI  and IT into dependable scientific,  operational  and business outcomes. Reporting to the VP ,  Strategy and Operations, the Director will develop and execute an integrated strategy  for  Data Engineering, IT, software and ML/AI  development and  deployment.   The position  will lead 3-5 direct reports and coordinate external vendors , consultants  and contractors, set clear priorities, and  drive  deliver y of  high-quality outcomes .  

Functional Scope:  

Data Engineering–establishment and governance of FAIR data, resilient data systems, and cost-effective infrastructure   

IT–management of business systems, access, cybersecurity, and vendors   

Software and ML/AI Deployment–identification, prioritization and selection of highest impact tools, productionization, integration, support, and adoption  

Targeted Software Development -of bespoke, internal tools; workflow automation and integrations for high-value company requirements  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute a company-wide data strategy and associated execution plan in support of Terrana's strategic priorities  

Lead, coach and manage a multidisciplinary team of 3-5 direct reports, with additional oversight of contractors, consultants and service providers.

Establish clear roles, goals, development plans and performance expectations, and create a culture of ownership, collaboration, technical excellence and reliable delivery  

Convert stakeholder needs into well-defined projects; ensuring work is delivered on time and to specification  

Lead the evolution of Terrana's data architecture and engineering capabilities, including cloud data platforms, data models, pipelines,APIs and integrations across all systems. Ensure FAIR data  

Establish and enforce appropriate data governance, security and lifecycle policies and practices  

Partner with software engineers, ML/AI scientists, computational biologists and domain scientists to deploy software and models into dependable production workflows. Oversee integration, testing, validation, versioning, CI/CD or MLOps, observability and ongoing performance management  

Oversee bespoke software development and workflow automation where required, following clear build/buy/partner evaluations  

Provide reliable and secure IT services through internal resources and external providers, including identity and access, endpoints, business applications, service support, and cybersecurity  

Serve as the primary senior-leadership interface for the Data function, engaging leadership on strategy, execution progress, decisions, tradeoffs, risks and resource needs, and establishment of steering and decision forums  

Monitor, troubleshoot and optimize systems and services   

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor's degree in computer science, data engineering, information systems, bioinformatics or related discipline; an advanced degree or equivalent professional experience is preferred  

10+ years of progressive experience across data engineering, software, digital platforms, ML/AI enablement or IT  

Demonstrated success developing and executing a technical strategy  

Proven ability to manage direct reports, as well as consultants and service providers  

Strong technical grounding in cloud-based data architecture and engineering, including data modeling, databases, ETL/ELT pipelines, APIs, integrations, accesscontrolsand observability; AWS experience is preferred  

Experience deploying and operating production software and ML/AI-enabled workflows

Working knowledge of enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity, identity and access management, and SaaS administration  

Experience supporting scientific, R&D or other technically complex workflows

Consistent track record of delivering high-quality outcomes on time and to specification  

Excellent leadership presence, communication and stakeholder-management skills  

Preferred Experience:  

Experience with Benchling or another LIMS  

Experience applying generative AI, workflow automation or AI-native tools  

LOCATION: Durham, NC (strongly preferred) or Cambridge, MA

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  

Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at  www.flagshippioneering.com .

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification . If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.  

#LI-TL1

The salary ranges for this role are $182,000 - $240,000 (North Carolina) and $192,000 - $253,000 (Massachusetts). Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Terrana Biosciences currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Terrana Biosciences good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Terrana Biosciences, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering portfolio company, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.