Job DescriptionAssociate Director (Staff Data Scientist), Enterprise Data SciencePosition SummaryAs an Associate Director within the INDIGO | AI Innovation Lab, you will lead the development and scaling of data science capabilities across the enterprise while acting as a technical expert, thought partner, and mentor within the team. You will take ownership of key AI and machine learning initiatives to deliver data science-driven solutions that align with enterprise goals.
This is a hands-on role where you will develop and implement cutting- edge data science solutions, build and maintain digital products, and enable the democratization of data through scalable tools and best practices.
The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation in AI-driven Commercial Analytics within the pharmaceutical industry; inquisitive data science skills; clear and compelling communication skills; an exceptional sense of ownership and accountability; and demonstrated success delivering machine learning products that create business value.
This role is based in our Waltham location and would work a hybrid office schedule.
ResponsibilitiesKey ResponsibilitiesSupport and Scale Data Science Use Cases
- Develop and deploy complex analytical models and predictive insights to inform strategic decisions.
- Implement data science solutions, including but not limited to predictive machine learning models, recommender systems, and agentic AI applications.
- Lead development of commercial AI use cases including HCP targeting, customer suggestions, commercial opportunity identification, prescribing behavior prediction, and customer segmentation.
- Scale proof-of-concept data science ideas and products into maintainable production software services; leverage best practices for production-ready code development and MLOps to build solutions that are stable, efficient, and scalable.
- Partner with engineering teams to operationalize machine learning models and integrate outputs into business applications and digital workflows.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration - Act as a key partner to cross-functional teams, providing technical and strategic guidance in the design, development, and implementation of AI-driven products and analytics solutions.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders by helping them understand INDIGO's capabilities and translate business challenges into high-impact data science opportunities.
- Facilitate structured discovery and problem-framing sessions to identify opportunities where AI, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics can drive measurable business value.
- Collaborate closely with commercial business leaders and domain experts to ensure models and solutions reflect real-world business processes and market dynamics.
- Influence decision-making through clear, actionable communication, synthesizing complex analytical results into insights that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Champion change management and user adoption, ensuring stakeholders understand, trust, and effectively integrate AI-driven recommendations into their workflows.
- Build long-term partnerships with business owners, fostering ongoing collaboration, feedback loops, and continuous improvement for products and models in production.
Lead the Development of Data Science Capabilities - Design and build production-grade digital products, reusable frameworks, and scalable AI/ML platforms that drive commercial performance and establish consistent foundations for future AI applications.
- Lead and manage high-impact data science initiatives across the organization, including scope, timelines, risks, and resource planning.
- Drive the development of scalable machine learning capabilities that can support multiple brands and commercial use cases through reusable frameworks and automation.
- Evangelize and contribute to scaled adoption of AI and machine learning capabilities across the organization.
- Stay updated with advancements in data science, machine learning, and generative AI and evaluate emerging technologies for practical business application.
- Track and communicate progress on data science initiatives while managing shifting priorities and business needs.
- Champion FAIR principles and guide the organization in their application to ensure long-term data usability and accessibility.
Functional Ownership of Digital Products - Bring an end-to-end product lifecycle management mindset to INDIGO initiatives, with a clear focus on maximizing long-term business value.
- Take ownership of Commercial AI and analytics products, ensuring reliability, scalability, business relevance, and ongoing stakeholder adoption.
- Play a key role in shaping product and portfolio strategy by contributing expert judgment and nuanced thinking on the direction, growth, and integration of the products they own.
- Mentor and develop the talent supporting their product portfolio, fostering a collaborative and continuously learning team environment.
QualificationsQualificationsBasic QualificationsEducation - Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field. Ph.D. preferred
Experience- 10+ years building and deploying advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions that deliver measurable business impact.
- Experience supporting Commercial Analytics use cases within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare organizations strongly preferred.
- Experience leading cross-functional AI and data science initiatives from problem framing through deployment and value realization.
- Experience managing stakeholder relationships and influencing business decision-making at multiple organizational levels.
Technical Skills- Proficiency in production programming using Python and SQL.
- Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis techniques, predictive modeling methodologies, and end-to-end MLOps management.
- Familiarity with cloud computing and ML platforms; AWS experience required and Snowflake experience preferred. Prior experience with use of AI tools in code development and management workflows is a plus.
- Experience with data engineering, feature engineering, data governance, and scalable machine learning pipelines (dbt experience preferred).
- Experience working with commercial data assets such as CRM, prescribing, claims, specialty pharmacy, patient services, or engagement data preferred.
Core Competencies- Proven ability to design and implement end-to-end AI and machine learning solutions from business problem definition through value realization.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technical solutions to commercial outcomes.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with an aptitude for both technical innovation and stakeholder management.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience mentoring and developing technical talent.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities and ambiguities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong ownership mindset and accountability for outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare industries.
- Direct experience supporting Commercial, Sales, Marketing, Market Access, Patient Services, or Field Force effectiveness initiatives.
- Familiarity with Veeva CRM, IQVIA, claims, prescription, specialty pharmacy, and patient-level commercial datasets.
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance standards applicable to healthcare data (e.g., HIPAA).
- Exposure to GenAI innovation, agentic AI systems, and advanced customer intelligence platforms.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $160,000 to $180,000. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package. Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working-here
Alkermes has recently adopted a hybrid working environment to support and meet the needs of employees and this role will operate in a flexible environment with 60% of time in the office and 40% from home. This position is eligible for the hybrid workplace model, requiring work to be completed onsite at our Waltham, MA office at least 3 days per week. This role is not eligible for fully remote work.
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