Senior Director, AI Data Science

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Director AI Data Science is a senior leader accountable to help shape and execute the strategy operating model and innovation roadmap for AI/ML and data science in support of the Data and Statistical Sciences and wider Development organization. A key focus is ensuring operational efficiency gains. This role helps establish the scientific and methodological standards that translate complex clinical operational translational and real-world datasets into high-quality actionable insights that inform drug-development decisions.

As part of the Center of Data Excellence the Senior Director builds and leads a multidisciplinary team; helps shape the AI/ML investment and platform strategy; and serves as a thought leader and partner across Biostatistics Statistical Programming Clinical Data Management IT and the broader R&D organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help define and drive the multi-year AI/ML and data science strategy roadmap and operating model for the function aligning investments with portfolio priorities and enterprise objectives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team; set goals allocate resources manage performance and drive succession and talent development.
• Establish standards and acceptance criteria for AI/ML model development validation interpretability and responsible/Generative-AI use in a regulated environment.
• Serve as a senior scientific and strategic partner to Biostatistics Statistical Programming Clinical Data Management IT and broader R&D helping shape strategies that enable efficiencies and portfolio decisions.
• Guide the design and scale-up of analytics products LLM-based and Generative-AI workflows (e.g. automated TLF review protocol digitalization) and decision-enablement dashboards from prototype through production hand-off.
• Oversee the data platform pipeline and reproducibility strategy on Databricks and cloud infrastructure helping set standards for MLOps/LLMOps version control security and audit-readiness.
• Contribute to the AI governance risk-management and compliance framework in cross-functional partnerships.
• Represent Exelixis externally through publications conference presentations white papers and industry engagement.
• Champion a culture of scientific rigor innovation mentorship and continuous learning across the data science team.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads a functional team including direct management of managers and/or senior individual contributors.
• Indirectly supervise employees in other functions through a dotted line structure or via other subordinate supervisors.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education

• Bachelors degree in Data Science Computer Science Statistics Biostatistics Bioinformatics or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 15 years of experience; or
• Masters degree in Data Science Computer Science Statistics Biostatistics Bioinformatics or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 13 years of experience; or
• PhD in Data Science Computer Science Statistics Biostatistics Bioinformatics or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 12 years of experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Significant experience leading the development and deployment of AI/ML and data science solutions in a clinical pharmaceutical or life-sciences setting including in GxP-regulated environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading and building teams (including managing managers) setting functional strategy and managing budgets and external partnerships.
• Proven track record influencing executive and cross-functional stakeholders and translating advanced analytics into portfolio-level decisions.
• Experience establishing AI governance validation and compliance frameworks; familiarity with CDISC standards (SDTM ADaM) and clinical endpoint analysis strongly preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Strategic leadership; ability to help set the operating model and multi-year roadmap for the AI/ML and data science function.
• Advanced command of AI/ML and statistical methodology including supervised/unsupervised learning NLP and Generative-AI with the judgment to set standards for rigor and interpretability.
• Working fluency in Python R and SQL sufficient to guide technical direction and evaluate solution quality.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms (Databricks AWS) MLOps/LLMOps version control (Git/GitHub) and reproducible secure audit-ready architectures.
• Advanced understanding of the clinical development process and regulatory requirements (ICH GxP) and AI governance in a regulated setting.
• Executive-level communication influencing and stakeholder-management skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven people leadership mentorship and organizational development capability.
• Strong business acumen including budget ownership and vendor/partnership management.

Travel Requirements

• 20% Ability to travel globally

#LI-JP1

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $244000 - $346000 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidates geographic region which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidates geographic region job-related knowledge skills experience and internal equity among other factors.

In addition to the base salary as part of our Total Rewards program Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package including a 401k plan with generous company contributions group medical dental and vision coverage life and disability insurance and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program or if field sales staff a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock and receive long-term incentives 15 accrued vacation days in their first year 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the recruiting process please email us at: .

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Our office is a modern space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Teams work closely together sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs to ensure a comfortable workspace.

DISCLAIMER:
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race color sex age national origin religion sexual orientation gender identity status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal state or local protected class.