Director, Predictive Analytics and AI

About the role

Join Takeda as a Director, Predictive Analytics and AI out of our Cambridge, MA office. We are seeking a visionary Director to lead our Data Science team, transforming pharmaceutical commercialization with advanced data science and AI.

Responsibilities

• Advance Data Science and AI capabilities driving the utilization of predictive models in areas including Patient finding, HCP Targeting and Prioritization, Next Best Action Engines, predictive secondary data driven Patient and predictive Customer Segmentations.
• Advance Predictive Analytics for US. GI, NS, PDT, and Rare Disease Franchises, including new product launches or indications.
• Partner with BUs, BU Analytics & Insights, Marketing and Sales Ops, Data CoEs etc. to define use cases and integrate predictive model-driven decisioning into business decisions.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a future-oriented data science strategy for commercialization, focusing on leveraging predictive and machine learning models to solve complex business challenges.
• Predictive Modeling & AI Innovation: Design and deploy predictive models—including logistic regression, ensemble methods, and other machine learning algorithms—for key applications such as trialist identification, patient segmentation, next-best-action (NBA), and HCP target prioritization. Lead the development of AI/ML algorithms to predict patient events, identify undiagnosed / misdiagnosed patients to drive targeted HCP engagements. Create scalable, reusable frameworks for AI and machine learning experimentation and deployment across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate as a key thought partner with cross-functional teams—including Business Units, Brand Insights & Analytics, Marketing & Sales Operations, Patient Services, and Medical Affairs—to drive business impact. Develop creative strategies to ensemble multiple third-party patient data sets, enhancing coverage and precision in patient identification and predictive segmentations.
• Mentor and develop talent: Cultivate a high-performing team of data scientists by promoting continuous learning and encouraging the adoption of emerging AI techniques, ensuring a culture of innovation and excellence. Promote ongoing AI skill development through hands-on training, external partnerships, and internal knowledge sharing.
• GenAI and Agentic AI Initiatives: Establish and lead GenAI and Agentic AI initiatives that are strategically aligned with CA&I goals. Drive the adoption and integration of advanced AI technologies to enhance analytics capabilities, automate insights generation, and support innovative commercial strategies.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Continually evolve analytical methods, platforms, standards, and toolsets to meet current and future business needs. Lead Data Science team efforts in developing advanced analytic and AI models providing continuous insights into execution optimization, and industry developments.
• Strategic Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted thought partner to franchise Analytics & Insights, forecasting, and Patient Diagnosis Heads - leading data science driven discussions and translating business needs into appropriate predictive modeling strategies.
• Vendor & Project Management: Manage relationships with trusted vendor partners for outsourced project work and ensure high-quality, timely deliverables. Oversee project timelines and budgets, utilizing project management tools for tracking progress.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Economics or a related field required.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML modeling, with at least 5 years in pharmaceutical commercial analytics required.
• Prior people management experience required.
• Strong technical expertise in machine learning, NLP, and recommendation systems.
• Experience with pharma data (e.g., IQVIA, Veeva, SP & claims) and strong understanding of compliance and privacy considerations.
• Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence, with demonstrated expertise in establishing GenAI (Generative AI) and Agentic AI methodologies and solutions.
• Proficient in Data Science tools and languages such as Python, R, SQL, Databricks, and is familiar with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Expert in delivering persuasive presentations, conveying complex advanced Data Science driven insights to non-technical audience, and mentoring others in presentation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership in a matrix organization, able to motivate and inspire team members to high performance levels.
• Demonstrated ability to create an environment that inspires and enables people to move the organization forward.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, fostering strong relationships across departments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and evolving technology landscapes.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Economics or a related field required.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in AI/ML modeling, with at least 5 years in pharmaceutical commercial analytics required.
• Prior people management experience required.
• Strong technical expertise in machine learning, NLP, and recommendation systems.
• Experience with pharma data (e.g., IQVIA, Veeva, SP & claims) and strong understanding of compliance and privacy considerations.
• Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence, with demonstrated expertise in establishing GenAI (Generative AI) and Agentic AI methodologies and solutions.
• Proficient in Data Science tools and languages such as Python, R, SQL, Databricks, and is familiar with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Expert in delivering persuasive presentations, conveying complex advanced Data Science driven insights to non-technical audience, and mentoring others in presentation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership in a matrix organization, able to motivate and inspire team members to high performance levels.
• Demonstrated ability to create an environment that inspires and enables people to move the organization forward.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, fostering strong relationships across departments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and evolving technology landscapes.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and Databricks.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong understanding of machine learning algorithms and techniques.
• Experience with pharma data and compliance considerations.
• Expertise in AI methodologies and solutions, particularly in GenAI and Agentic AI.
• Ability to communicate complex data-driven insights to non-technical audiences.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Benefits

At Takeda, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial security. This includes:

• U.S. Base Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $278,080.00
• Short-term and long-term incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• A 401(k) plan and company match
• Disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid volunteer time off
• Company holidays
• Well-being benefits

Pay

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

Schedule

This position is currently classified as "hybrid" in accordance with Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy. This means you will have a mix of remote and in-office work, with occasional domestic overnight travel as needed.