Associate Director, Real World Data Science

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match

Flexible time off

Paid leave programs

Job summary

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.) is seeking an Associate Director of Real‑World Data Science to provide leadership in health economics research using traditional and AI/ML methodologies.

This role involves managing research data systems and collaborating cross-functionally for value and scientific evidence generation. Applicants should have a PhD or Master's degree and several years of relevant experience in outcomes research.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $169,222 to $253,000, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in outcomes research methods and analysis.
• Comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry.
• Proficiency in statistical programming (SAS and AWS environment required; R preferred).
• Ability to independently develop research hypotheses and study protocols.
• Strong understanding of administrative claims data and electronic medical records.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical studies and programming for RWE analysis plans.
• Work closely with Value Evidence and Global Medical Affairs teams.
• Manage departmental data licensing and platform needs.
• Present analytics for health outcomes projects.
• Participate in publication planning and execution.

Skills

Outcomes research methods

Statistical programming (SAS, R)

Health economics research

Data analysis

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD or Masters in Health Economics, Outcomes Research, or related discipline

Job description

The Associate Director of Real‑World Data Science is an expert in analysis and methods, providing leadership within Otsuka's OPDC, reporting to the Data and Analytics team. This position demands expertise in research design and data analysis, including traditional and AI/ML methodologies that can be applied to health economics research. A visionary approach to managing and optimizing research Real‑World Data, platforms, processes, and data systems is desired. The successful candidate will possess advanced skills in health economics research, programming and data analysis, focusing on leveraging large healthcare datasets, including claims, electronic health records (EHR), and clinical trial data, data linking/ tokenization, to support value evidence generation.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Partner with Value Evidence Strategy to design and lead analytical studies and programming for RWE analysis plans to support value and scientific evidence generation.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Value Evidence and Global Medical Affairs teams to support value and scientific evidence generation across Otsuka’s product portfolio.
• Data Analysis and Innovation: Apply fit for purpose traditional or novel methodologies, including AI/ML methodologies, in data and statistical techniques, stay current with new analytical approaches, and collaborate with subject matter experts to design and deliver medically relevant and scientifically valid projects.
• Protocol Development: Co‑lead study protocol development and database query guidelines for internal dataset, overseeing internal analyses to support studies.
• Pharmacoeconomic Support: Serve as the interface to support pharmacoeconomic and real‑world data needs across various departments.
• Study Management: Co‑lead in the preparation and review of study protocols and reports for internal datasets, including statistical analysis plans, and manage associated vendors as appropriate.
• Data Licensing and Vendor Oversight: Manage department‑specific data licensing and platform needs, overseeing vendors and ensuring compliance with licensing terms.
• Database Identification: Identify appropriate databases (US and ex‑US) for licensing to address research questions and align with therapeutic area strategy.
• External Partnerships: Participate in establishing external partnerships and work on all scientific aspects of projects involving these partnerships.
• Presentation and Communication: Present analytics for health outcomes projects and information to internal and external groups, including regulatory authorities, key opinion leaders, and at medical and outcomes research conferences.
• Publications: Participate in publication planning and execution, coordinating with Otsuka Scientific Communications personnel and VES.
• Advisory Meetings: Support preparation of medical or payer advisory meetings to solicit feedback on Otsuka products and therapeutic areas.
• Project Execution: Identify and support projects that directly support the economic and quality strategy for Otsuka products.
• Formulary Submissions: Support in the development of product dossiers and other projects to support different aspects of formulary submissions.
• Budget Management: Manage budget resources allocated to assigned projects.
• Education and Awareness: When appropriate, assist in developing educational material for internal and external audience including payer communication field tools.
• Compliance and Best Practices: Maintain awareness of current strategies, issues, and new data sources, ensuring compliance with all guidelines and best practices for scientific research.

Qualifications

• Experience and Expertise: 3‑5 years of experience in outcomes research methods and analysis, with strong expertise in non‑interventional study designs and statistical analyses.
• Industry Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical R&D, clinical research, commercialization, health technology assessment bodies, managed care marketplace, hospital systems, and integrated systems of care.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical programming (SAS and AWS environment required; R preferred), with experience in ML/AI applications.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to independently develop research hypotheses, study protocols, and statistical analysis plans, with knowledge of epidemiology, economics, psychometrics, and medical writing.
• Data Utilization: Strong understanding of administrative claims data, electronic medical records, hospital inpatient data, and survey data, including their applications and limitations.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex projects involving multiple external vendors, with excellent project management skills.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, superior presentation skills, and the ability to manage conflict constructively with minimal supervision.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with and overseeing external contractors and vendors, with the ability to understand and respond to customer/payer requests and develop value dossier.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel approximately 10%%, including international travel, for conferences, corporate locations, and stakeholder meetings.

Educational Qualifications

• PhD or Masters in Health Economics, Outcomes Research, Health Services Research, Public Health or related discipline
• Three (PhD) to five (Masters) years of relevant experience

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.

Salary Range

Minimum $169,222.00 – Maximum $253,000.00, plus incentive opportunity. The range represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals hired in this role in the United States. Actual pay may be positioned within the established range based on experience and skills.

Application Deadline

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage
• Basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance
• Generous 401(k) match
• Flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs

Equal Opportunity

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 by contacting Accommodation Request.