Associate Director, Applied AI/ML & Data Science Lead

Lonza; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 84,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Office‑first culture

Competitive compensation programs

Job summary

Lonza in Oss, The Netherlands is seeking an Associate Director to lead Applied AI/ML and Data Science across the organization. This office‑first role emphasizes in‑person collaboration with flexible remote time and close partnership with R&D scientists.

You will design and deploy predictive models, mentor teams, and shape strategic AI priorities, leveraging PhD‑level expertise and strong Python/ML framework experience to deliver measurable scientific and operational impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required.
• Significant industry experience in data science and AI/ML.
• Proven track record delivering business impact.
• Strong Python and ML framework experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application of AI/ML, analytics, and data science solutions to high‑value challenges.
• Partner with R&D scientists and stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable digital solutions.
• Design and implement predictive models, optimization tools, and decision-support systems.
• Collaborate with data engineering, digital, and technical teams end-to-end.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging AI/ML methodologies and best practices.
• Influence strategic priorities and establish scalable standards across Data Science & Modelling initiatives.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to growth of digital capabilities.

Skills

Strong stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, AI/ML, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioconjugation, or related

Tools

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Job description

Associate Director, Applied AI/ML & Data Science Lead

Netherlands, Oss

Associate Director, Applied AI/ML & Data Science Lead

The actual location of this job is in Oss, The Netherlands. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

Join Lonza and help shape the future of Advanced Synthesis through AI, machine learning, and data science.This strategic role combines scientificexpertise, advanced analytics, and digital innovation to accelerate research, improve decision-making, and deliver business impact across the organization.

This is an office‑first role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and team alignment, enabling us to deliver our best work. You will work primarily in the office, with the flexibility to work remotely for 20% of your time (one day per week).

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• The opportunity to shape and scale AI/ML and Data Science capabilities within a global organization.
• Leadership opportunities through mentoring, capability building, and strategic influence.

The full-time annual base pay for this position in The Netherlands is expected to range between 84.000, - EUR and 117.600,- EUR. Initial salary placement within this range will be determined based on role-related factors such as experience, qualifications, and expected contribution.

What you will do:

• Lead the application of AI/ML, advanced analytics, and data science solutions to address high-value scientific and operational challenges.
• Partner with R&D scientists and Advanced Synthesis stakeholders to translate complex business needs into scalable digital solutions.
• Design and implement predictive models, optimization tools, and decision-support systems that improve scientific outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with data engineering, digital, and technical teams to deliver robust end-to-end solutions from concept through deployment.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and introducing emerging AI/ML methodologies, technologies, and best practices.
• Influence strategic priorities andestablishscalable standards, frameworks, and ways of working across Data Science & Modelling initiatives.
• Mentorcolleagues andcontribute to the growth of digital capabilities and future team development.

What we are looking for:

• PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, AI/ML, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioconjugation, ora relatedscientific discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Solid industry experience in data science, AI/ML, computational sciences, cheminformatics, bioinformatics, or related fields within pharma, biotech, CDMO, or similar environments.
• Advancedexpertisein machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science witha track recordof delivering business impact.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks such asPyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn.
• Experience developing end-to-end data science solutions from exploration and modelling through deployment and adoption.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Experience in bioconjugation,MLOps, digital transformation, or scientific workflow optimization is highly desirable.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Reference: R80505

You will feel at home at Lonza if you:

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast-moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza:

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters.

We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow.