Associate Director, AI and Data Scientist

Job Summary

The Associate Director, AI and Data Scientist is a hands‑on experienced technical leader who specializes in applying AI and data science in the context of Pharma R&D operational processes towards AI transformation. This may involve leading or contributing to AI projects that leverage diverse data and information to augment and accelerate current workflows. The role will focus on developing data science, AI solutions, use‑cases, and applications as well as efficiently conducting research on feasibility of such solutions.

While keenly focusing on business utility, and how AI transforms processes, the role will go deep into providing architectural and design guidance on the use of AI and data science, new processes and workflows to cross‑functional teams and at times leading the implementing state‑of‑the‑art AI solutions for business processes within R&D and across Corporate Functions.

The AI and Data Scientist will develop leading‑edge technical solutions such as multi‑agent orchestration, pragmatic uses of generative AI, and robust reusable AI and data science solution capabilities as part of cross‑functional teams including life sciences subject matter experts and technical development teams, including AI engineers and AI platform engineers. In a world with rapidly evolving AI, AI technology, the AI scientist will also keep current with evolving technologies, gaining experience in new technology to guide better implementation of projects in responsibility, but also providing guidance to cross‑functional teams, where needed.

The AI and Data Scientist will work with other Data Science, AI Scientists, AI engineers, and others within the larger Data Science and AI team in designing, developing, and implementing robust solutions for Otsuka. The role will partner with cross‑functional teams such as IT (e.g., AI platform engineers to utilize recommended foundational capabilities, and architectural frameworks) and other stakeholders to ensure that efficient and effective solutions are developed and ultimately lead to AI transformation.

• AI product strategy: Develop a product vision and roadmap specifically for AI‑driven solutions, aligning AI capabilities with business objectives, technology, and market trends. Implement Data Science and AI portfolio objectives and contribute to the development of data and analyses strategies esp. in augmenting and accelerating R&D Operations while leveraging AI.
• AI and ML Models: Experiment with, develop and train or fine‑tune high quality effective AI models for business problems and processes, validate and evaluate them for fielding as part of broader solutions. Demonstrate strong foundational understanding of AI/ML, statistics, and data science concepts.
• Generative AI: Expertise in generative AI, including concepts like prompt engineering, embeddings, and fine‑tuning, is often required for building and upgrading modern AI solutions. Core understanding of evaluation of LLMs quantitatively and qualitatively. Hands‑on experience demonstrated in developing and fielding enterprise fieldable AI systems. 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.
• Data‑driven decision making: Use data analysis and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor product performance and make informed decisions, considering the unique evaluation metrics for AI models in delivering business value, esp. in Pharma R&D operations and Enterprise use cases.
• Understanding of Pharma R&D Data: Possess a deep and expansive understanding of data in the field of drug development, clinical trials, external healthcare data to be able to be effectively build AI solutions that conform to responsible AI, privacy by design, as well as regulatory compliance.
• User centric solution design and development: Deliver effective AI enabled products that build trust, drive adoption, and lead to transformation. Ensure a design centric…