Director of AI Optimization and Productization - R&D Data Science & Digital Health

Johnson & Johnson•Titusville, NJ

34d•$160,000 - $276,000

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced technical, hands-on, leader in AI optimization and productization to join our Data Science & Digital Health (DSDH) team within Research & Development (R&D). This role reports directly to the Vice President of AI/ML & Digital Health. The team will support the training, optimization, and deployment of AI models and AI products across the R&D value chain. In close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Technology (JJT), this leader will leverage enterprise MLOps and DevOps frameworks to implement good AI development practices and life cycle management across DSDH AI projects. A key focus will be optimizing AI models and code for large-scale training, inference performance, and product deployment, working alongside JJT and external partners. Additionally, the role will guide the development of AI applications in areas such as discovery, biomarkers, and clinical endpoints. This leader will engage across the enterprise, partnering with DSDH teams, JJT, and therapeutic areas within J&J Innovative Medicine R&D, while also interfacing with senior stakeholders throughout the organization.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. Additional training or certification in MLOps, AI optimization, product life cycle is a plus
8+ years of experience in AI model development, model optimization, and deployment, including managing product life cycle (design, development, testing, deployment, operations & maintenance, etc.).
Excellent coding and software development capabilities, effectively leading a technical team and partners towards the creation of scalable AI solutions.
Deep expertise in using MLOps frameworks, deployment pipelines, and monitoring tools, including familiarity with cloud platforms and containerization tools. Experience with AWS is preferred.
Experience with Agile and DevOps methodologies
Experience with regulatory compliance and governance (e.g. GxP, SaMD, etc.).
Strong experience in leading a technical team, and ability to work in a matrixed organization on complex, multi-stakeholder projects
Excellent communication skills and strategic thinking capabilities.
Ability to align technical execution with strategic business goals and enterprise-wide initiatives and frameworks.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Life Sciences, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical or Medical Tech sector is preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborate with AI scientists in DSDH, R&D partners, and JJT to optimize AI models for large-scale training, inference performance, and their deployment in AI products.
Guide and supervise the productization of AI models into applications deployed within R&D or clinical trials for discovery, biomarkers, and clinical endpoints.
Oversee the use of enterprise MLOps frameworks within DSDH in close collaboration with JJT, following company best practices and frameworks and managing the life cycle of DSDH AI models.
Actively modeling and planning for compute capacity across DSDH projects, in partnership with the DSDH Data Strategy & Platform team and JJT
Work closely with DSDH, JJT, therapeutic areas, functions, and senior stakeholders across the enterprise to promote cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Attract, grow, and lead a high-performing technical team focused on AI optimization, productization, and life cycle management.
Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Benefits

Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following: Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
Employees may be eligible to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
This position is eligible to participate in the Company's long-term incentive program.
Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: - Vacation - up to 120 hours per calendar year - Sick time - up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington - up to 56 hours per calendar year - Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays - up to 13 days per calendar year - Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year

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