Senior Director, AI & Data Science Solutions

Visionary and strategic leader responsible for defining and executing the AI, Generative AI, and Data Science solutions strategy across the entire R&D value chain. This role empowers scientific and business functions—including drug development, clinical trials, and real-world data evidence—by delivering robust, scalable, and compliant AI and data science solutions. The Senior Director will manage a high-performing team of AI and data scientists, machine learning scientists, and specialist developers to foster innovation and ensure adoption of best-in-class AI solutions within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategic vision and roadmap for AI, Generative AI capabilities, solutions, use cases, and larger connected AI programs within R&D, aligning with overall business objectives and scientific priorities.
• Serve as a key thought leader and trusted advisor to senior R&D leadership on opportunities and risks related to AI, data technologies, and Generative AI.
• Represent Otsuka in key AI and Data solutions initiatives as needed.
• Deliver leading-edge AI solutions approaches, effective enterprise AI and data strategy (specifically clinical, operational, and real-world data), robust and responsible AI/ML model development, and fit-for-purpose clinical development data stewardship strategies.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging data and AI technologies to create scalable and robust AI solutions, balancing innovation with scalability, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the design, development, and pre-deployment of extensible and scalable AI solutions for complex R&D data, including structured, unstructured (text, imaging, sensor data), and real-time data.
• Oversee the implementation of AI and Generative AI use cases from ideation to production deployment and application lifecycle management.
• Architect AI and Generative AI solutions for applications across clinical trial optimization, patient recruitment, content authoring automation, asset management, pharmacovigilance, quality, regulatory, enterprise functions, Real-World Data, sensor and medical device data, and omics data.
• Champion AI solutions best practices, review AI solution architectures, and ensure technical consistency, scalability, and governance of AI engineering across the portfolio.
• Architect and scale AI/ML practices for in-house applications to support the entire model lifecycle—from experimentation and deployment to monitoring and retraining—while ensuring automation and reproducibility.
• Drive awareness of AI/ML applications and the importance of strong Data and AI engineering foundations across the organization.
• Provide technical and engineering support for Data and Information Governance, quality, and FAIR data principles.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data scientists, AI/ML scientists, and lifecycle support professionals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, accountability, and respect within and across teams and stakeholders.
• Manage the team, budget, resource allocation, and project timelines for the data and AI Solutions portfolio.
• Ensure all data and AI initiatives adhere to internal governance standards, data privacy regulations (e.g., GxP, HIPAA), and responsible AI principles.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams to embed auditability and traceability into AI and Generative AI workflows.
• Serve as an AI and Data Solutions expert for internal portfolio and organization-wide initiatives, reviews, and AI committees.
• Establish and manage robust monitoring, alerting, and incident response processes for all AI capabilities and solutions.
• Manage and provide oversight on vendors and vendor resources supporting the data and AI engineering portfolio.
• Work closely with the Data and AI Platform team to leverage platform capabilities and share solution needs and guidance with IT providers.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders across R&D, Scientific and Operations AI Data Science teams, other DnA pillars, IT, and external partners.
• Partner with R&D teams to translate complex scientific challenges into clear, executable data and AI projects.
• Communicate strategy, progress, and outcomes to diverse stakeholders, including technical teams and executive leadership.

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in data science, AI/ML, and Generative AI, with at least 5 years in senior technical leadership or management roles.
• Strong and demonstrated experience in architecting, building, and maintaining large-scale data and AI solutions in a scientific, regulated, or research-heavy environment.
• Experience working within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry, particularly within R&D.
• Deep understanding of AI and Machine Learning and its applications in Pharma.
• Proven track record of implementing and deploying Generative AI and large language model (LLM) applications in production environments.
• Expertise in real-world data assets and using them to generate scientific evidence and guide operational effectiveness.
• Deep expertise across data science, representation, Generative AI, AI, and machine learning techniques, with experience in architecting and delivering AI/ML use cases.
• Strong team leadership, internal and cross-functional collaboration, and project management skills with a focus on delivering impactful initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mathematical, Engineering, or Scientific disciplines such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Statistics, or a related field with a focus on advanced and modern Data Science, including AI and machine learning.
• PhD is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Accountability for Results: Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Make decisions considering the long-term impact on customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity: Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of customers and key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication: Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect to influence at all levels and achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration: Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development: Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Pay

Minimum $230,720.00 - Maximum $345,000.00, plus incentive opportunity. The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay, such as job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in the role.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Company-provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs.
• Additional company-provided benefits.