Sr Director, Head of Data Science & Digital Health -Therapeutics Discovery

Sr Director, Head of Data Science & Digital Health – Therapeutics Discovery

Primary location:
Spring House, PA. Optional location:
Cambridge, MA.

Travel:
Up to ~25% domestic/international

Reports to:

VP, R&D Data Science – DPDS

Lead the Data Science and engineering strategy for R&D Therapeutics Discovery (TD). Partner with TD leadership, data scientists, and IT to streamline data automation, deliver robust data products, and scale advanced analytics and AI across the portfolio. Shape discovery data capture, integration, and leverage to accelerate decision‑making and innovation.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive data strategy for TD focused on advanced automation, data integration, and FAIR data practices.
• Design and implement scalable data pipelines to support discovery workflows.
• Partner with TD leaders to build external partnerships with industry consortia and academic partners for Data Science needs.
• Co‑champion data governance, analytics, model lifecycle management (MLOps), and Responsible AI standards into reusable capabilities shared across the organization.
• Lead a core team of data scientists and engineers to support TD strategic goals.
• Collaborate with TD teams (e.g., In Silico Discovery, Discovery Technologies & Molecular Pharmacology), IT, R&D Data Science, and external partners to introduce emerging technologies like generative AI, multimodal analytics, and advanced automation tools aligned with TD business objectives.
• Collaborate across Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS) and Therapeutic Areas to generate and analyze data for opportunities in Therapeutic Discovery (e.g., experiment design, molecule design, lab process automation).

• PhD or equivalent experience in Computational Biology, Chemistry, AI/ML, Applied Math/Statistics or related field.
• At least 12 years of experience in data science for drug discovery, including leading teams in a matrix environment.
• Proven expertise in creating high‑impact R&D innovations through data science, data engineering, and automation within scientific domains.
• Strong experience leading the application or creation of ML/AI methods with deep understanding of drug discovery workflows.
• Demonstrated success delivering interoperable data products and scalable analytics platforms.
• Excellent communication and matrix leadership across scientific, technical, and business stakeholders in a global organization.

• Strategic Vision:
  Ability to anticipate future trends in data science and drug discovery and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Collaborative Influence:
  Skilled at building consensus and driving alignment across diverse scientific and technical teams.
• Innovation Mindset:
  Passion for leveraging emerging technologies to solve complex scientific challenges.
• Talent Development:
  Commitment to mentoring and growing a high‑performing team of data scientists and engineers.
• Communication Excellence:
  Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders and executive leadership.

Anticipated base pay range: $ – $.

• Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year (approximately 15 days).

• Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year (48 hours if residing in Colorado, 56 hours if residing in Washington).

• Holiday pay, including floating holidays: 13 days per calendar year.

• Work, personal and family time: up to 40 hours per calendar year.

• Parental leave: 480 hours within one year of birth/adoption/foster care.

• Bereavement leave: 240 hours for immediate family, 40 hours for extended family.

• Caregiver leave: 80 hours in a 52‑week rolling period.

• Volunteer leave: 32 hours per calendar year.

• Military spouse time‑off: 80 hours per calendar year.

Employees are eligible to participate in the company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension), savings plan (401(k)), and long‑term incentive program.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. The company actively seeks qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Employees with disabilities may request accommodation during the interview process by contacting the Employee Health Support Center (ra‑) or AskGS.