Job Function:
Data Analytics & Computational Sciences
Job Sub Function:
Data Science
Job Category:
People Leader
All Job Posting Locations:
Brisbane, California, United States of America
Job Description:
Director, Portfolio Strategy Lead - Therapeutics Discovery (TD) & Pharmaceutical Science & Translational Safety (PSTS)
About the Role
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is seeking an exceptional Portfolio Strategy Lead to help shape the future of drug discovery by bringing together the Tech, Data, and AI portfolio across TD, PSTS, JJT, and DDSAI.
This is a highly visible leadership role for a strategic operator and connector—someone who can unify complex programs, align investments to our highest priorities, and ensure the organization is executing against a bold vision. This role will provide Tech, Data, and AI portfolio oversight for our largest and most important transformation effort, AI-Native Drug Discovery, and all Tech, Data, and AI projects supporting either TD or PSTS. These programs/projects are central to how we accelerate scientific learning, build differentiated capabilities, and create lasting competitive advantage through Tech, Data, and AI.
The successful candidate will bring clarity across a fast-moving and matrixed environment—connecting plans, surfacing synergies, guiding tradeoffs, and ensuring our resources stay focused on the initiatives that matter most. This leader will also play a critical role in translating portfolio progress, investment needs, and impact into clear narratives for senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the integrated Tech, Data & AI portfolio supporting TD and PSTS, connecting work across scientific, digital, and platform teams to deliver against DPDS’ strategic priorities.
- Provide Tech, Data, & AI portfolio oversight for AI-Native Drug Discovery, ensuring plans, milestones, dependencies, and investments are aligned across TD, PSTS, JJT, and DDSAI
- Drive strategic alignment and prioritization across projects so resources remain focused on the most critical programs and are not diluted across lower-priority efforts. Connecting efforts to the Self Driving Labs initiative in TDS wherever possible and beneficial
- Identify and unlock synergies across initiatives, especially where shared platforms, data pipelines, compute, automation, external partnerships, and operating models can accelerate impact
- Partner closely with scientific, digital, and technology leaders to ensure project plans are integrated, realistic, and sequenced to support business and portfolio goals.
- Create transparency into portfolio investments and resource allocation, with clear reporting for senior leadership on where we are investing, what value is being unlocked, and where key risks or tradeoffs exist.
- Establish strong portfolio governance, including roadmap management, dependency tracking, prioritization forums, issue escalation, and executive-ready updates.
- Champion execution discipline and strategic storytelling, helping leaders communicate a compelling, consistent narrative around progress, investment needs, and long-term impact.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred in life sciences, data science, engineering, or a related field.
- Significant experience in portfolio leadership, program leadership, strategy, or transformation roles in pharmaceutical R&D, biotech, healthcare, or a similarly complex innovation environment.
- Proven ability to lead across a matrixed organization, influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority.
- Strong understanding of one or more of the following: drug discovery, translational science, digital transformation, AI/data platforms, R&D technology, portfolio governance, or strategic investment planning.
- Demonstrated strength in executive communication, including translating complexity into clear decisions, narratives, and action plans for leadership teams.
- Experience managing cross-functional roadmaps, interdependencies, resource tradeoffs, and governance processes across multiple initiatives.
- Outstanding collaboration, judgment, and organizational leadership skills, with the ability to balance ambition with focus.
Why This Role Is Special
It is a unique opportunity to help orchestrate the transformation of Drug Discovery at Jn&J.
You will sit at the center of some of the most important work underway, connecting strategy to execution across science, technology, data, and AI. You will help ensure that bold ideas become coordinated action, that major investments translate into real capability, and that our highest-priority programs have the focus and alignment they need to succeed.
For the right leader, this role offers the chance to shape how Johnson & Johnson builds the future of discovery: faster, smarter, more connected, and more human-relevant.
Remote work options may be considered on a case-by-case basis and if approved by the company.
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Advanced Analytics, Budget Management, Compliance Management, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Data Privacy Standards, Data Quality, Data Reporting, Data Savvy, Data Science, Data Visualization, Developing Others, Digital Fluency, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Program Management, Strategic Thinking, Succession Planning
The anticipated base pay range for this position is :
$189,000.00 - $325,450.00
Additional Description for Pay Transparency:
Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are 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.
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits
