Associate Director, AI Quality And Governance – R&D Data Science & Digital Health

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and Med Tech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.

Associate Director of AI Quality and Governance – R&D Data Science & Digital Health
Locations:
Titusville, NJ;
New Brunswick, NJ;
Springhouse, PA;
La Jolla, CA;
Cambridge, MA
Travel: up to 15%

We are seeking an experienced leader to drive enterprise-aligned AI governance across Data Science & Digital Health (DSDH) and the broader R&D organization. This role focuses on implementing high‑quality, compliant, and scalable governance practices for both traditional AI/ML and GenAI systems, ensuring safe, responsible, and consistent development and deployment. The leader will partner closely with DSDH teams, Quality, Legal, Global Regulatory Affairs, and Johnson & Johnson Technology (JJT) to streamline governance processes, embed AI safety protocols, and align with enterprise strategic priorities.

• Develop and maintain an AI governance roadmap that supports R&D strategy, enabling informed decision‑making and proactive management of AI‑related risks.
• Develop, implement, and drive adoption of quality assurance processes for AI/ML and GenAI development, integrate those processes with existing medical product and digital health tool development processes, and ensure adherence to internal and external regulatory standards.
• Drive alignment on AI quality/governance initiatives across R&D and enterprise, partnering with JJT to streamline governance workflows and promote consistent adoption across R&D.
• Create and disseminate playbooks, toolkits, and standardized guidance to support teams in implementing responsible AI practices.
• Establish and track metrics to evaluate governance effectiveness, including processes for audits, reviews, and risk‑based assessments of AI systems.
• Serve as a technical and strategic advisor on AI governance topics.
• Collaborate with therapeutic areas, functional partners, and senior stakeholders to drive cross‑functional collaboration and alignment.
• Represent Johnson & Johnson in external AI governance forums and consortia, contributing to industry‑wide standards and best practices.

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Informatics, or a related field, with additional training or certification in AI ethics, governance, or regulatory compliance.
• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML, data science, or digital health, preferably in a regulated industry (e.g., pharma, healthcare, biotech).
• Experience in AI governance in a regulated environment, with proven track record of leading AI governance initiatives and processes for AI development, model lifecycle management, and deployment.
• Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks in medical products and AI (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH, EU AI Act, ISO/IEC standards).
• Deep understanding of AI/ML & GenAI model development, deployment, and monitoring, including AI risk assessment and mitigation.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams including regulatory affairs, IT, and data science, product development.
• Strong experience in a matrixed organization, with excellent communication skills and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to drive cultural change around responsible AI use and digital transformation.

• Advanced Analytics, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Data Privacy Standards, Data Quality, Data Reporting, Data Savvy, Data Science, Data Visualization, Developing Others, Digital Fluency, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Performance Measurement, Process Optimization, Relationship Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Statistical Computing, Strategic Thinking.

Base Salary Range: $137,000 – $235,750

Subject to…