Associate Director, AI Clinical Scientist

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 169,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. in Princeton, NJ seeks Associate Director, AI Clinical Scientist to lead AI strategy across R&D, guiding data science initiatives and machine learning applications in biomarker and real-world data analyses.

The role blends scientific expertise with team leadership, overseeing AI scientists, and shaping PoC projects using Gen AI, LLMs, and digital health technologies to accelerate evidence generation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of AI and advanced data sciences in pharma R&D.
• Expertise in analyses using real-world data assets to explore biomarkers and endpoints.
• Proficiency in AI/ML techniques and tools (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, LLMs).
• Expertise in digital health technologies and their pharma applications.
• Strong project management with focus on impactful initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI portfolio objectives across drug development with extensive AI use.
• Apply innovative analytical solutions with novel AI tools and technologies.
• Develop novel analyses for biological data including omics and digital health data.
• Explore PoC initiatives and Gen AI/LLMs to enhance data analytics in drug development.
• Assess integration of Gen AI and small AI models into workflows and adoption strategies.
• Support cross-functional teams with deep scientific data analyses using AI capabilities.
• Foster awareness and adoption of AI/Gen AI across R&D processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify innovation opportunities in data science.

Skills

AI in drug dev

Gen AI & LLMs

Data analysis

Biomarkers & omics

Cross-functional leadership

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Clinical data platforms

Job description

Princeton, NJ

Full time

R11289

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 is a technical role that requires proficiency in both traditional and generative AI and leveraging those methodologies to advance and accelerate drug development and evidence generation and Otsuka. The role will work closely with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to support Data Science and AI objectives in alignment with Otsuka's goals. The ideal candidate will be an expert in AI and contribute to initiatives that enable novel evidence generation through expertise in biomarkers, including omics and digital health technologies (DHT), as well as clinical and real-world data (RWD). Additionally, the candidate will have strong skills in computational data analysis, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modeling, with an emphasis on applying machine learning and AI methodologies.

The Associate Director, AI Clinical Scientist may also assist in overseeing a team of data or AI scientists, managing resources, providing trainings, 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.

Job Description

• 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).

• Development and application of novel advanced analyses for biological data, including, digital, sensor data, 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 to advance and effectively 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, leverage AI and gen AI capabilities effectively for Otsuka’ drug development portfolio, evidence generation efforts throughout the drug lifecycle.

• Leverage Gen AI and AI/ML applications across the organization, emphasizing their transformative potential in drug development processes. 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/ Required

Knowledge/ Experience and Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in AI and advanced data sciences within the pharmaceutical, or Bio-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 or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline

This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

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 can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request ([e-mail]) .

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka–people creating new products for better health worldwide.” In the U.S., Otsuka is comprised of two companies, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., that share a deep commitment to the development and commercialization of innovative products in the spaces of neuroscience, nephrology, and digital medicine.

Driven by our purpose to defy limitation, so that others can too, we have an unwavering belief in doing more and transcending expectations. In going above and beyond—under any circumstances—for patients, families, providers, and for each other. It’s this deep-rooted dedication that drives us to uncover answers to complex, underserved medical needs, so that patients can push past the limitations of their disease and achieve more than they thought was possible each and every day.

OPDC and OAPI are indirect subsidiaries of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Otsuka group of companies employed 34,400 people worldwide and had consolidated sales of approximately USD 14.2 billion in 2023.