Associate Director, AI Clinical Scientist

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 169,222 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company located in New Jersey is seeking an Associate Director, AI Clinical Scientist to lead strategic AI initiatives in drug development. The role requires an AI expert with over 5 years of experience in advanced data sciences, proficient in methodologies like machine learning. Responsibilities include overseeing AI projects, training teams, and developing innovative analytical solutions that enhance drug development processes. A salary range of $169,222 to $253,000 is offered depending on experience and skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in AI and advanced data sciences within pharmaceutical or bi-tech R&D.
• Expertise in scientific data analyses in drug development.
• Strong project management skills focused on delivering impactful initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI and data science portfolio objectives contributing to drug development.
• Identify and apply innovative analytical solutions using AI tools.
• Oversee a team of data or AI scientists, managing resources and providing training.

Skills

AI expertise

Computational data analysis

Mathematical modeling

Project management skills

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Job Summary

The Associate Director, AI Clinical Scientist in the Data Science and AI team will play a pivotal role in leading strategic and technical development and use AI solutions across scientific domains in Otsuka R&D. This technical role requires proficiency in both traditional and generative AI, leveraging these methodologies to accelerate drug development and evidence generation. The role works closely with stakeholders and cross‑functional teams to support Data Science and AI objectives in alignment with Otsuka’s goals. The ideal candidate is an AI expert who can contribute to initiatives enabling novel evidence generation through expertise in biomarkers, including omics and digital health technologies (DHT), as well as clinical and real‑world data (RWD). Strong skills in computational data analysis, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modeling are required, with an emphasis on applying machine learning and AI methodologies.

The Associate Director may also assist in overseeing a team of data or AI scientists, managing resources, providing training, advising cross‑functional teams on the uses, limitations, and impact of AI and ML, and collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver high‑quality data and analytic products.

Responsibilities

• Implement data science and AI portfolio objectives and contribute to the development of data and analyses strategies across all phases of drug development, from discovery and preclinical to clinical stages while extensively leveraging AI.
• Identify and apply innovative analytical solutions with a strong focus on adopting novel AI tools, methodologies, and technologies, including machine learning, tokenization, and digital health technologies (DHTs).
• Develop and apply novel advanced analyses for biological data, including digital, sensor, metabolomics, proteomics and genomics to support new drug development and decision making.
• Investigate and conduct Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives, and develop solutions for new AI applications using advanced technologies like large language models (LLMs) and generative AI (Gen‑AI) to enhance data analytics capabilities and accelerate candidates across drug development phases.
• Assess the feasibility and potential impact of integrating Gen‑AI, LLMs, and other small AI models into existing workflows, and recommend adoption strategies based on PoC outcomes.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to support deep scientific data analyses, leveraging AI and Gen‑AI capabilities effectively for Otsuka’s drug development portfolio and evidence generation throughout the drug lifecycle.
• Leverage Gen‑AI and AI/ML applications across the organization, emphasizing their transformative potential in drug development processes, and create awareness and integration of such technologies into R&D processes effectively.
• Develop processes to optimize data and analytics systems and their execution, ensuring alignment with cutting‑edge technological advancements.
• Guide the scientific and technical evaluation, selection, and planning of analysis for transitional and digital biomarkers, along with the data generated in clinical trials.
• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of data science solutions that leverage novel AI methodologies.
• Guide team members on AI and other methodologies and foster a culture of innovation and collaborative success.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation and experimentation with emerging technologies in data science and analytics.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert, ensuring effective awareness, communication, and collaboration to achieve portfolio success.
• Remain current with industry trends and advancements in AI/ML, providing insights to influence the organization’s technical roadmap and strategy.
• Build a strong presence both internally and externally through publications in relevant and reputable conferences and journals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in AI and advanced data sciences within the pharmaceutical or bi‑tech R&D industries.
• Expertise in scientific data analyses in drug development and real‑world data assets and using them to explore biomarkers, endpoints, and scientific or value evidence.
• Proficiency in AI, Gen‑AI, and machine learning techniques and relevant tools (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, LLMs, and related technologies to do analyses and analytics).
• Expertise in digital health technologies and their applications in pharmaceutical research.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on delivering impactful initiatives.

Competencies

• Accountability for Results – stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving – make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity – maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication – communicate with logic, clarity, and respect; influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration – seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development – play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $169,222.00 – Maximum $253,000.00, plus incentive opportunity. The range shown represents a typical pay range for individuals hired in the role in the United States. Other elements such as experience, specific skills, and internal comparison may influence actual pay.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You may request accommodations by contacting the Accommodation Request line.