Head of AIPosition SummaryThis role is accountable for delivering production-ready AI solutions that drive measurable business impact, not just strategy or advisory work. The individual will lead the design and deployment of AI-enabled products, platforms, and capabilities that enhance effectiveness and efficiency across R&D, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Finance, Legal, and Corporate Functions.
This role sits at the intersection of technology, science, operations, and governance. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring AI initiatives move beyond experimentation to scalable, durable solutions aligned with the needs of a lean, clinical-stage biotech.
First-year priorities:
- Identify and prioritize 2-3 high-impact AI use cases across the organization
- Launch initial pilots and drive at least one solution into production deployment
- Establish a practical AI operating model, including governance, vendor strategy, and cross-functional engagement
- Build early adoption and trust by delivering clear, measurable wins
We are committed to a thriving in-office culture. This role requires being on-site at our office in Newark, CA 4 days a week.Responsibilities- Enterprise AI Strategy & Vision
- Define and own AI and digital transformation strategy aligned with corporate and scientific priorities
- Identify high-impact use cases and prioritize based on value, feasibility, and risk
- Develop a focused, right-sized roadmap balancing speed and scalability
- AI Product Development & Deployment
- Lead the design, build, and deployment of AI-enabled products and tools
- Ensure solutions are production-ready, adopted, secure, and maintainable
- Drive delivery of solutions that improve productivity, speed, and decision-making quality
- Partner with internal teams and external vendors to build applications across analytics, automation, and decision support
- Cross-Functional Enablement
- Embed AI into workflows across R&D, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Finance, Legal, HR, and IT
- Translate business and scientific needs into actionable technical requirements
- Build trust through practical, explainable, and usable solutions
- Data, Infrastructure & Governance
- Partner with IT, Data, Legal, and Compliance teams to ensure robust data architecture, security, and access controls
- Establish AI governance frameworks addressing model validation, bias, data provenance, regulatory scrutiny, and ethical use
- Ensure compliance with global regulations, data privacy laws, and evolving AI-related regulatory expectations
- Leadership, Team & Culture
- Build and lead a high-performing AI and digital function (internal and/or external), including data scientists, engineers, and product leaders
- Upskill the broader organization through education, change management, and practical AI literacy
- Serve as a thought partner to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors on AI-related opportunities and risks
- Measurement & Value Realization
- Define success metrics and KPIs for AI initiatives, with clear accountability for outcomes
- Track adoption, performance, ROI, and risk across deployed AI solutions
- Continuously refine strategy based on results, organizational maturity, and technological advances
Required Skills & Qualifications- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MS, PhD, MBA) strongly preferred in fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Life Sciences, or related disciplines
- 10+ years of experience spanning technology, data, or digital transformation
- Experience building and deploying AI or advanced analytics solutions into production environments
- Demonstrated ability to drive AI adoption across multiple business functions
- Experience in heavily regulated industries (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, financial services, or similar) strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of modern AI/ML technologies, data platforms, and product development lifecycles
- Deep appreciation for governance, ethics, security, and regulatory considerations associated with AI
- Executive presence and credibility with C-suite leaders and Boards of Directors
- Exceptional ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value
- Pragmatic, outcomes-oriented mindset with a bias toward execution
- High integrity, sound judgment, and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
Pay Range The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $250,000 and $310,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
BenefitsA top priority for Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. is to provide a robust and comprehensive health and wellness program for our employees and their families. We offer a variety of high-quality coverage and benefit options.
- Health Care benefits. Protagonist covers 100% of the premium cost for medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees and their dependents.
- Flexible Spending Accounts - Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible Vacation Policy
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Company paid lunch and snacks
