Senior Director, AQDS Group Lead

Pfizer • La Jolla, MA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an accomplished senior leader to serve as a group lead for Digital Health Technology, Biomarkers & Imaging AI Lead within AI/ML, Quantitative & Digital Sciences (AQDS). This role will provide strategic and operational leadership in data science, statistics & analytics strategy across digital health technologies (DHT), imaging and biomarker related AI capabilities spanning pre-clinical, translational, clinical research and post market use. The successful candidate will shape and drive enterprise-wide strategy and processes in AI, data science and analytics for novel digital endpoints, imaging-derived biomarkers, and regulatory-ready digital health solutions. They will partner with R&D and Commercial leaders to implement these strategies, accelerating drug development and lifecycle evidence generation.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Imaging Science, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field) with 12+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 15+ years of experience, in digital health and/or imaging within pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare research environments.
• Extensive experience leading digital health and imaging initiatives across pre-clinical, translational research and their use in early to late-stage clinical trials.
• Demonstrated expertise in data science & analytics, classical machine learning and Generative AI, study design, validation strategies, and regulatory adoption of novel digital endpoints and imaging biomarkers.
• Strong understanding of global regulatory expectations related to digital health technologies, imaging endpoints, and AI-enabled solutions.
• Proven track record of leading large, matrixed, cross-functional teams and delivering complex, global programs.
• Experience developing compelling business cases and securing senior leadership sponsorship and funding for innovation initiatives.
• Deep familiarity with the digital health and imaging companies, and clinical trial technology ecosystem, including vendor evaluation and partnership models.
• Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across one or more therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Immunology, Cardiometabolic Disease or Vaccines.
• Experience with advanced imaging modalities, DHT-derived measures, wearables, remote monitoring technologies, and AI-enabled image analysis.
• Formal training or certification in data science, clinical trials, AI strategy, program management, or digital transformation.
• Experience representing organizations in external regulatory, industry, or standards-setting forums.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic thought partner to AQDS, and R&D leaders in defining the vision and roadmap for digital health and imaging technologies across the R&D continuum.
• Lead, as well as collaborate with teams, regarding the identification, prioritization, and execution of high-impact use cases leveraging digital health technologies, imaging platforms, and advanced analytics in pre-clinical, translational, clinical research and post-market.
• Lead and manage a team of data scientists and statisticians, overseeing the quality and compliance of their deliverables, and collaborating closely with research and development and commercial teams to support data-driven initiatives.
• Collaborate with Digital Medicine and Translational Imaging team on protocol design, statistical analysis plans and regulatory submissions for development of novel digital endpoints in pre-clinical, clinical and post-market studies.
• Drive strategy for development and validation of novel digital and imaging endpoints, including engagement with global regulatory agencies and external consortia to shape regulatory pathways and standards.
• Partner with clinical, translational, biometrics, regulatory, safety, and therapeutic area leaders to integrate digital endpoints and imaging biomarkers into clinical development programs and lifecycle evidence plans.
• Lead the development and governance of data science, AI/ML, and informatics roadmaps, driving strategic alignment, business case formulation, and prioritization of initiatives across the organization.
• Own and manage senior-level relationships with external technology partners, AI vendors, wearable sensor companies, academic groups, and industry consortia.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to bring AI & innovation perspectives in order to operationalize the delivery of complex, global digital health and imaging initiatives, with accountability for scope, timelines, budget, quality, and value realization.
• Oversee all data and AI related applications end-to-end throughout the lifecycle of digital health and imaging solutions from concept, feasibility, and prototyping through validation, deployment, and scale.
• Ensure digital health and imaging solutions meet data integrity, privacy, cybersecurity, and GxP requirements in collaboration with R&D IT, Quality, and Compliance partners.
• With partners, develop and present business cases for digital health and imaging investments, securing enterprise alignment, funding, and executive endorsement.
• Establish and track metrics to demonstrate scientific, operational, and financial impact of digital health and imaging solutions, including ROI and portfolio-level value capture.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
• additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• paid vacation
• holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees