Director, External Innovation, R&D Data Science
About The Position
The Director, External Innovation, R&D Data Science , External Innovation will drive the identification, assessment, and execution of strategic AI/ML partnerships that deliver measurable impact across Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (JJIM) R&D. This role is accountable for leading the development of partnerships: producing high-quality diligences, landscape analyses, and partnership assessments that inform and enable decision-making across the R&D value chain, focusing on technologies that apply cutting-edge, multimodal AI/ML to extract insights from generative and agentic AI and complex biological datasets—including genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, imaging, scientific literature, and emerging data modalities. The role requires deep “bilingual” capabilities across computational and scientific topics, and well as excellent strategic, operational, and communication skills. This position will be based in J&J’s Innovation Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Requirements
- PhD preferably in Computer science, AI/ML, Statistics, biomedical engingeering, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology or a related discipline
- 8yrs + in related work experience
- Proven track record in developing and scaling AI/ML solutions, especially generative models, in a start-up, industrial, enterprise setting
- Strong foundation in computer science, with hands-on experience in model architecture, deployment, and performance optimization.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working across scientific and technical domains, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies.
- Experience developing strategic partnerships
- Experience in healthcare and/or life sciences
- Deep knowledge and expertise in the use of AI/ML for research and discovery within a pharma
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working across scientific and technical domains, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies.
- Experience developing strategic partnerships
Nice To Haves
- Agility Jumps
- Business Alignment
- Continuous Improvement
- Mentorship
- Performance Measurement
- Process Control
- Program Management
- Project Management Methodology (PMM)
- Project Management Office (PMO)
- Project Reporting
- Project Schedule
- Quality Control (QC)
- Research and Development
- Risk Management
- Tactical Planning
- Technical Credibility
Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive landscape reports and structured assessments of external AI/ML capabilities (including generative AI) relevant to JJIM R&D priorities.
- Lead end-to-end diligence processes—scientific scoping, technical evaluation, and business analysis—to support partnership formation with high-impact external entities.
- Produce detailed diligence briefs and advance strategic partnerships in collaboration with SMEs, transaction teams, and other stakeholders.
- Alliance manage and oversee execution of ongoing strategic partnerships, ensuring delivery against research objectives and business milestones.
- Provide direction, monitor progress, and generate periodic evaluation reports.
- Contribute to JJIM’s AI/ML strategy by synthesizing insights from external engagement into actionable recommendations.
- Collaborate with External Scientific Innovation team at regional Innovation Center
Benefits
- medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance
- Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
- Company’s long-term incentive program.
- Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
- Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
- Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
- Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
- Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
- Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member
- Caregiver Leave – 10 days
- Volunteer Leave – 4 days
- Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
