Director, Data & Technology

Director, Data & Technology

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 delivery of high-quality outcomes.

Functional Scope:

• Data Engineeringestablishment and governance of FAIR data, resilient data systems, and cost-effective infrastructure
• ITmanagement of business systems, access, cybersecurity, and vendors
• Software and ML/AI Deploymentidentification, 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, access controls and 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