Senior AI Data Scientist I

Exelixis Inc; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 143,500 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid holidays and vacation

Stock options

Sick days

Job summary

Exelixis Inc. is seeking a Senior AI Data Scientist I to develop, train and validate AI/ML models on complex clinical datasets, transforming data into analysis-ready insights for drug development decisions.

You will implement NLP/LLM workflows, ensure GxP compliance, build dashboards, and collaborate with Clinical Operations, Data Management and Statistical Programming to accelerate data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in Data Science, CS, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or related field with years of experience.
• Experience applying AI/ML to structured/unstructured data; NLP and time series a plus.
• Proficiency in Python and R for analytics and model prototyping.
• Familiarity with CDISC standards (SDTM/ADaM) concepts.

Responsibilities

• Build, train and validate ML models on clinical datasets with oversight.
• Data cleaning, transformation, and standardization across sources.
• Develop LLM-based and generative AI workflows for automated review and analytics.
• Create dashboards and visualizations for clinical data review and monitoring.
• Ensure QA, reproducibility, and GxP compliance of outputs.
• Maintain data pipelines on cloud infrastructure and apply CI/CD practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.
• Document model development and data transformation activities.

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Data Science/Statistics/CS/Bioinformatics

Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn)

R for statistics

SQL

CDISC SDTM/ADaM

Databricks

AWS (S3, Lambda, Glue)

Git/GitHub

BI tools (Tableau/Power BI/Spotfire)

Tools

Databricks

AWS

Git/GitHub

Tableau/Power BI/Spotfire

Job description

SUMMARY / JOB PURPOSE

The Senior AI Data Scientist I develops, trains and validates AI/ML models and analytics solutions that transform complex clinical datasets into analysis‑ready deliverables supporting drug‑development decisions. Leveraging statistical programming (R, Python, SQL) and machine‑learning techniques, this role executes automated workflows, data quality assurance, and regulatory‑compliant outputs within a GxP‑governed clinical data pipeline. The position exists to advance the organization’s AI/ML and data science capabilities across clinical development – collaborating with Statistical Programming, Clinical Data Management, and Clinical Operations to accelerate data‑driven insights, improve data infrastructure, and ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of analytical outputs that inform study‑level and portfolio‑level decisions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, train and validate machine‑learning models (supervised and unsupervised) on clinical datasets under the direction of senior data scientists, ensuring model performance meets predefined acceptance criteria.
• Execute data cleaning, transformation, and standardization tasks across clinical datasets from EDC, vendor and real‑world data sources, aligning outputs with CDISC (SDTM/ADaM) standards.
• Develop and maintain LLM‑based and generative AI workflows for automated TLF review and ad‑hoc analytical queries, applying human‑in‑the‑loop validation to ensure output reliability.
• Create interactive dashboards and visualizations that support clinical data review, study‑health monitoring, and decision‑making across cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Execute data validation checks and quality‑assurance procedures to ensure accuracy, reproducibility and compliance of analytical outputs with GxP requirements.
• Support the development and maintenance of data pipelines on Databricks and AWS cloud infrastructure, applying version control (Git/GitHub) and CI/CD best practices.
• Collaborate with Statistical Programming, Clinical Data Management, and Clinical Operations to deliver AI/ML project milestones and address study‑level data needs.
• Prepare and maintain documentation of model development, data transformation, and validation activities consistent with SOPs and work instructions.
• Drive external scientific visibility and publication objectives by contributing to manuscripts, conference presentations and white papers that showcase clinical AI/data science innovations.
• Pursue continuous professional development in emerging AI/ML techniques, cloud‑based data platforms, and clinical data science methodologies to advance team capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 7 years of experience; or, Master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience; or, equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience thresholds for applying AI/ML methods to structured or unstructured data:
  • PhD – no prior experience required.
  • Master’s – minimum one (1) year of experience.
  • Bachelor’s – minimum three (3) years of experience.
  • Without degree – minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
• Intermediate proficiency in Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit‑learn) for data manipulation and model prototyping.
• Intermediate proficiency in R for statistical analysis and visualization.
• Basic proficiency in SQL for data querying and transformation.
• Intermediate understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning fundamentals, including model evaluation.
• Basic familiarity with NLP, text mining and/or time series analysis techniques.
• Basic familiarity with LLM APIs and prompt engineering concepts.
• Basic knowledge of Databricks notebooks and Delta Lake concepts.
• Basic familiarity with AWS cloud services (S3, Lambda, Glue).
• Basic understanding of data pipeline concepts and data integration fundamentals.
• Intermediate proficiency with version control (Git/GitHub) and project tracking tools (Jira).
• Intermediate proficiency with BI platforms including Spotfire, Tableau and/or Power BI.
• Basic understanding of the clinical development process and regulatory requirements (ICH, GxP).
• Basic familiarity with CDISC data standards (SDTM, ADaM) concepts.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills in a cross‑functional environment.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this position is $143,500 – $203,000 annually. The base pay may take into account the candidate’s geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or for sales‑based incentive plan for field sales staff. Exelixis offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock and receive long‑term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays (including a company‑wide winter shutdown in December), and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

EEO STATEMENT

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.