Executive Director, R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead

MSD • Rahway, NJ

19d

About The Position

The Executive Director, R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead will build, innovate, and implement the AI technical strategy and capabilities needed to support the business strategy of scientists in Research and Development. The role partners with leaders across IT and R&D to enable near-term value in the AI transformation while building with the agility to address changing portfolio needs and advances in AI/ML. The incumbent serves as a team lead, contributes to team decisions and strategic direction, and leads department-wide initiatives. Success depends on connecting end-to-end business strategy and processes to technical solutions, eliminating functional silos, simplifying the systems footprint, and securing investment for the highest-priority opportunities.

The role aligns with Central IT and business partners on AI/ML capability strategy, tracks measurable success and execution plans, and addresses change management, adoption, and value realization. It requires an expert understanding of pharmaceutical technology and business processes, strong cross-functional partnerships, and the ability to address complex scientific technology and data challenges. The lead monitors industry trends, partners with R&D IT Value teams on capability roadmaps and tradeoffs, communicates IT strategy and portfolio to stakeholders, encourages digital adoption, and leads talent development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Life Science.
• At least 10 years of prior experience in enterprise, business, information, systems and application, or solution architectures, or a related IT environment.
• Understanding of research and development in pharmaceutical development.
• Familiarity with interdependent data flows and project engagement across therapeutic and functional areas.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate strategy, translate it into technology roadmaps, and influence enterprise technology strategy.
• Understanding of the existing IT portfolio of systems and products.
• Understanding of the external technology landscape and its impact and value to the company.
• Experience leading department-wide initiatives involving technical solutions and change management.
• Strong critical thinking and a pragmatic approach to challenges and negotiating collaborative approaches to shared outcomes.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts simply and influence stakeholders toward high-value opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong internal and external relationships and networks; viewed as a credible and trusted partner.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or PhD.
• Business architecture experience.
• Strong business acumen.
• Experience with AI/ML, genomics, research information systems, or lab automation.
• Knowledge of business process design and change management.

Responsibilities

• Align with Central IT and business partners to derive, implement, and influence AI/ML technical capability strategy.
• Track quantifiable indicators of success and execution plans, including change management, IT/business adoption, and value realization approaches.
• Build cross-functional relationships with IT and business stakeholders and apply expertise to resolve complex scientific technology and data problems.
• Stay current with industry trends and identify opportunities for technology enablement, including deep learning and generative AI.
• Partner with R&D IT Value teams on capability roadmaps, negotiate tradeoffs and staging to maximize value, and ensure solutions are adopted and achieve expected business outcomes.
• Communicate IT strategy and portfolio to key stakeholders.
• Encourage a digital mindset and adoption of digital innovation initiatives.
• Act as a change agent for new digital capabilities.
• Lead a team and take responsibility for talent development.
• Lead department-wide initiatives related to technical solutions and change management.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and families.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive