Associate Director, Applied AI/ML & Data Science Lead

Lonza; Netherlands; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive workplace

Competitive compensation

Global opportunities

Leadership development

Benefits package

Job summary

Lonza in Oss, Netherlands, seeks an Associate Director to lead Applied AI/ML and Data Science across Advanced Synthesis. The role blends scientific expertise with digital innovation to accelerate research, improve decisions, and drive business impact. Office-first with 20% remote work supports close collaboration.

You will design end-to-end DS solutions, mentor teams, and influence strategic priorities across Data Science & Modelling initiatives in a global setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Data Science, CS, AI/ML or related field.
• Extensive industry experience in data science, AI/ML, computational sciences, cheminformatics, bioinformatics or related fields within pharma/biotech environments.
• Advanced expertise in ML/AI with a track record of delivering business impact.
• Strong Python programming and ML framework experience (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn).
• End-to-end data science solutions from exploration to deployment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML, analytics, and data science solutions for high-value scientific and operational challenges.
• Partner with R&D scientists and stakeholders to translate needs into scalable digital solutions.
• Design and implement predictive models, optimization tools, and decision-support systems.
• Collaborate with data engineering, digital, and technical teams to deploy end-to-end solutions.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging AI/ML methodologies and best practices.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to growth of digital capabilities and future team development.

Education

PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, AI/ML or related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Job description

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 scientific expertise, 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.
• A variety of benefits. The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

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 and establish scalable standards, frameworks, and ways of working across Data Science & Modelling initiatives.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute 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, or a related scientific 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.
• Advanced expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science with a track record of delivering business impact.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, 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.