AI Oncology Portfolio Lead (Director)

Pfizer • San Diego, CA

1d • $176,600 - $294,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

As an AI-enabled strategic scientific leader, the AI Oncology Portfolio Lead partners with Oncology Research Leadership to integrate AI-driven strategies and support data-informed decisions across the Oncology Research pipeline. This individual contributor role bridges advanced AI and analytics with Oncology R&D expertise to guide portfolio strategy. Reporting to the Head, Portfolio Strategy and Program Management, the role continuously assesses Oncology Research projects from ESD through preclinical stages using predictive models, scenario simulations, and competitive intelligence, then recommends actionable strategies to leadership. The position focuses on science across discovery and preclinical programs, informing pipeline prioritization, resource allocation, and governance deliberations with robust data.

The role collaborates with discovery research, translational science, clinical development, and business and strategy functions to synthesize experimental, clinical, and external data into unified portfolio recommendations. It serves as a subject matter expert on AI in R&D strategy, advances adoption of analytics and decision-intelligence tools, and communicates complex analyses through reports, dashboards, visualizations, and executive presentations. The role also supports governance milestone decisions and improves evaluation and forecasting processes by identifying emerging AI technologies, data sources, and analytical approaches.

The position is hybrid, with an average of 2.5 days per week onsite, and requires the employee to be commutable to the site. Relocation support may be available based on business needs and eligibility. Candidates must have permanent U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific field, such as oncology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or computational biology.
• At least 5 years of experience using AI to solve drug-discovery problems, perform scenario modeling or simulation, and create data visualizations.
• Experience working with AI/ML teams or implementing AI tools in R&D processes.
• Experience interpreting and leveraging complex data models to drive decisions.
• Strong understanding of Oncology R&D workflows and the role of data and AI in scientific and clinical decision-making.
• At least 10 years of pharmaceutical or biotech R&D experience, including direct involvement in drug discovery or development and strategic roles such as portfolio management, R&D strategy, or advanced analytics projects.
• Deep understanding of drug discovery and development across multiple modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and ADCs, and knowledge of the oncology therapeutic area.
• Experience translating large, complex datasets and analyses into clear strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and influence skills, including presenting to and influencing senior R&D or executive stakeholders.
• Ability to craft compelling data-driven presentations and reports that inform high-level decisions.
• Experience collaborating across functions, leading discussions, and influencing without direct authority in a matrix environment.
• Experience generating insights and driving initiatives.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States; U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Formal training or hands-on experience in data science, bioinformatics, or AI-driven decision support in a life sciences context.
• Broad exposure to multiple R&D domains, including discovery, preclinical, clinical, translational, and business development.
• Experience championing new approaches or technologies, driving organizational adoption of data-driven decision-making, and managing change effectively.
• Breadth of diverse leadership experience and capabilities, including influencing and collaborating with peers, developing and coaching others, and overseeing and guiding colleagues’ work to achieve meaningful outcomes and business impact.

Responsibilities

• Continuously analyze the oncology Research portfolio from ESD through preclinical using AI/ML tools and analytics to evaluate scientific strength, probability of success, and strategic fit with disease-area strategies.
• Develop and propose data-driven project- and portfolio-level strategies to senior leaders and the Research governance committee.
• Use scenario analysis and predictive modeling to assess project prioritization, pipeline balance, and resource-allocation options.
• Integrate AI-derived insights, including machine-learning predictions, knowledge graphs and gap analysis, and competitive-landscape mining, into project-team and governance discussions.
• Identify opportunities to pivot or accelerate programs based on comprehensive evidence.
• Collaborate with discovery research leaders, translational scientists, clinical development teams, and business and strategy functions to synthesize experimental results, clinical data, and external trends into portfolio recommendations.
• Serve as a liaison bringing data-backed perspectives to portfolio governance forums.
• Act as a subject matter expert on AI in R&D strategy and champion adoption of advanced analytics and decision-intelligence tools.
• Prepare and present reports, dashboards, visualizations, and executive presentations that translate complex analyses into actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Prepare AI-enabled project strategy recommendations for governance meetings to guide milestone decisions.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies, AI-enabled portfolio-management practices, and oncology scientific developments.
• Improve decision-making processes by identifying new AI-driven data sources and analytical approaches that strengthen portfolio evaluation and forecasting accuracy.
• Collaborate across functions and influence without direct authority in a matrix environment; guide and coach colleagues to achieve outcomes and business impact.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Paid caregiver, parental, and medical leave.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Eligible to participate in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a bonus target of 20% of base salary.
• Eligible to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree