Director, AI, Data & Information Systems

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; California; On-site; USD 220,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Ligand Pharmaceuticals seeks a senior technology leader to direct information systems, data, analytics, and AI strategy reporting to the CFO. The role partners with executives to prioritize investments, strengthen governance, drive adoption, and measure business impact in a life sciences setting.

This position may be based in San Diego or Boston, with responsibilities spanning AI initiatives, data architecture, security, and vendor management to deliver scalable, compliant technology solutions

Qualifications

• 12+ years in information systems, data, analytics, AI with 7+ years in leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience leading a small team while contributing as an IC is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of data strategy, architecture, governance, analytics, and security.
• Hands-on leadership of AI including generative AI and ML.
• Experience with enterprise cloud platforms (Azure or AWS).
• Familiar with life sciences regulatory and quality/compliance.
• Proven ability to influence across functions and communicate with senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated information systems, data, analytics, and AI strategy.
• Advise senior leadership on technology investments and related risks.
• Partner with business leaders to deliver practical solutions with measurable impact.
• Lead AI initiatives end-to-end from business case to scale.
• Establish responsible AI practices including governance and privacy.
• Oversee data governance, architecture, pipelines, and access.
• Ensure security, resilience, and compliance across platforms.
• Develop budgets, roadmaps, and vendor management.

Skills

Leadership

Data strategy

AI/ML

Cloud platforms

Governance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Azure

AWS

Job description

Ligand Pharmaceuticals seeks a senior technology leader to direct information systems, data, analytics, and AI strategy reporting to the CFO. The role partners with executives to prioritize investments, strengthen governance, drive adoption, and measure business impact in a life sciences setting.

This position may be based in San Diego or Boston, with responsibilities spanning AI initiatives, data architecture, security, and vendor management to deliver scalable, compliant technology solutions