AI Manager - Life Sciences R&D

Zs Associates; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,200,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Travel opportunities

Job summary

ZS is seeking a Data Science Manager for Life Science R&D to lead teams building data-driven AI/ML solutions for drug discovery, clinical trials, and regulatory processes.

You will shape data science strategy, oversee project delivery, and drive client communications while advancing ZS’s analytic platform and capabilities. Experienced leaders with 10–14 years in data science in life sciences are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science, CS, Bioinformatics, or related field.
• 10–14 years of data science experience with at least 2 years in a managerial role in life sciences.
• Proven life sciences/R&D experience; strong business development track record.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement AI/ML solutions for life sciences R&D needs, including drug discovery and trials.
• Develop data science strategies aligned with R&D goals and organization.
• Lead responses to RFPs, proposals, and POVs; build client relationships.

Skills

Data science

Leadership

ML/AI

Python

R

SQL

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science or CS

Tools

TensorFlow

SAS

MATLAB

Job description

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you’ll work side‑by‑side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life‑changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client‑first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life‑changing impact to ZS.

Data Science Manager – R&D

As the Data Science Manager for the Life Science Research & Development team, you'll lead your team to create data‑driven solutions using ML algorithms. You'll educate teams on machine learning models and help turn goals into data solutions. You will be responsible for applying analytical techniques to model complex business problems, uncovering insights, and identifying opportunities using statistical, algorithmic, mining, and visualization techniques. In addition to advanced analytics skills, the candidate should also be skilled in integrating and preparing large, varied datasets, implementing specialized database and computing environments, and communicating results. This role requires a combination of business focus, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and programming knowledge to efficiently cycle hypotheses through the discovery phase of the project.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement AI/ML solutions tailored to life sciences R&D needs, including drug discovery, clinical trials, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement data science strategies that align with the overall goals of the R&D team and the organization.
• Lead the development of RFP responses, proposals, and POVs for potential and existing clients
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor on AI/ML capabilities
• Oversee project execution, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery
• Design and implement predictive models and machine learning algorithms to support research objectives
• Demonstrate proficiency with various approaches in regression, classification, and cluster analysis
• Play a key role in development of data science capabilities and offerings that create scale and advance our analytic platform;
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science and life sciences, and apply this knowledge to drive innovation.
• Communicate findings and insights to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Provide thought leadership and innovation through research and publication.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• 10-14 years of experience in data science, with at least 2 years in a managerial role within the life sciences industry.
• Demonstrated experience in the life sciences industry, particularly in R&D.
• Proven track record of driving business development, including responding to RFPs and building POVs.
• Must have experience in statistical programming in R, SAS, SPSS, MATLAB, Python or TensorFlow
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL. Experience with machine learning frameworks and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

How you’ll grow:

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in India, visit ZS India office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on‑site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

Travel:

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client‑facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.