AI Strategy Director - Remote R&D IT & Innovation Lead

TalentAlly; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Executive Director, R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead to shape and implement our AI strategy across the R&D portfolio.

You will partner with IT and R&D leaders to deliver near-term value, drive agile delivery, and guide department-wide initiatives in AI transformation. The role requires 10+ years in enterprise IT architecture within pharma, strong strategic and communication skills, and a track record of building relationships and translating business

Qualifications

• 10 years prior experience in Enterprise, Business, Information, Systems & Application or Solution Architectures or related IT environment.
• Understanding of the Research and Development in pharmaceutical development.
• Familiar with the interdependence of data flows and engagement on projects across therapeutic and functional areas.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate strategy, translate to technology roadmaps, and influence enterprise technology strategy.
• Understanding of the existing IT portfolio of systems and products.
• Understanding of the external technology landscape and the impact and value to our Company.
• Experience in leading department-wide initiatives with regards to technical solutions and change management.
• Strong critical thinking skills with a pragmatic approach to addressing challenges and negotiating collaborative approaches to shared outcomes.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills- able to effectively communicate complex concepts in simple ways, and influence stakeholders to achieve focus on highest value opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and networks (internally and externally).
• Viewed as a credible and trusted partner.

Responsibilities

• Align with Central IT and Business to derive, implement, and influence AI/ML technical capability strategy.
• Track quantifiable indicators of success and plans to execute, including appropriate approaches to change management, IT/business adoption, and value realization.
• Have an expert understanding of the technological landscape and business process within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Build strong cross functional relationships with various IT and business stakeholders, applying expertise to resolve complex scientific technology and data problems.
• Stay current with industry trends to identify emerging areas of focus and opportunities that can benefit from technology enablement, including deep learning and generative AI.
• Partner with R&D IT Value teams to partner on capability roadmaps, negotiating tradeoffs and staging to maximize value, and ensuring solutions are adopted and deliver the expected business outcomes.
• Communicate IT strategy and portfolio to key stakeholders.
• Encourage a digital mindset and adoption of digital innovation initiatives.
• Be a change agent for new digital capabilities.
• Lead a team with responsibilities for talent development.

Skills

AI/ML strategy

Executive leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Life Science

MBA or PhD (Preferred)

Tools

Data architecture

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Executive Director, R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead to shape and implement our AI strategy across the R&D portfolio.

You will partner with IT and R&D leaders to deliver near-term value, drive agile delivery, and guide department-wide initiatives in AI transformation. The role requires 10+ years in enterprise IT architecture within pharma, strong strategic and communication skills, and a track record of building relationships and translating business