What you'll do: R&D AI Manager will...
- AI Strategy & Solution Design
- Design, build, and deploy AI/ML solutions across the R&D value chain, with a focus on Clinical Development and/or Medical Affairs (e.g., trial design, clinical operations, evidence generation, medical content, scientific engagement), ensuring regulatory- and compliance-by-design delivery.
- Translate complex R&D and Medical problems into scalable, decision-centric AI solutions, integrating structured and unstructured data (clinical, operational, real-world, literature, and medical content).
- Data Science & AI Leadership
- Define and execute data science strategies aligned to R&D and Medical priorities, balancing scientific rigor, business impact, and operational feasibility.
- Lead the development of diagnostic predictive, prescriptive, and generative models, applying appropriate techniques based on the problem definition and available data
- Ensure models are explainable, validated, and production-ready within regulated life sciences environments.
- Client Engagement & Growth
- Lead and contribute to RFPs, proposals, POVs, and pilots, shaping compelling AI narratives grounded in client value and real-world feasibility.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders in R&D, Medical, and Digital, helping them prioritize AI use cases, design roadmaps, and move from pilots to scaled impact.
- Partner closely with consulting, technology, and product teams to drive integrated, cross-functional delivery.
- Program & Delivery Ownership
- Own end-to-end project execution, including scoping, delivery planning, risk management, and quality assurance, ensuring on-time, high-impact outcomes.
- Mentor and guide junior data scientists and analysts, setting high standards for analytical quality, storytelling, and client engagement.
- Capability Building & Innovation
- Play a key role in building repeatable data science assets, accelerators, and platforms that scale AI delivery across Clinical Development and Medical Affairs.
- Stay current on advances in AI/ML, life sciences R&D, and evolving regulatory expectations, proactively translating these into new offerings and differentiated client value.
- Contribute to internal and external thought leadership, including whitepapers, conference presentations, and publications in areas such as Clinical AI, Medical AI, and evidence generation.
- Communication & Influence
- Communicate complex analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through executive-ready narratives, visualizations, and recommendations.
- Influence senior stakeholders by connecting AI outputs to decisions, actions, and measurable R&D or Medical outcomes.
What you'll bring:- Experience & Domain Expertise
- 6-10 years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, or applied AI, with at least 2 years in a people- or workstream-leadership role within the life sciences industry.
- Demonstrated experience applying analytics and AI in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, with exposure to Clinical Development and/or Medical Affairs strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of regulated R&D environments, including data quality, validation, traceability, and compliance considerations.
- Technical & Analytical Skills
- Deep hands-on experience with statistical and machine learning methods, including regression, classification, clustering, and predictive modeling.
- Proficiency in Python and/or R, with strong working knowledge of SQL; experience with common ML and data science frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) preferred.
- Prior experience with statistical programming tools such as R, SAS, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent, and the ability to select appropriate techniques for the problem at hand.
- Ability to work across structured and unstructured data, including clinical, operational, real-world, text, and medical content data.
- Client & Business Leadership
- Proven track record of contributing to or leading RFP responses, proposals, POVs, and pilots, translating technical capabilities into compelling client value narratives.
- Experience engaging directly with client stakeholders, with the ability to shape problem statements, influence decisions, and build long-term trusted relationships.
- Delivery & Team Leadership
- Strong project execution skills, including scoping, prioritization, risk management, and quality assurance in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop data scientists, setting high standards for analytical rigor, communication, and collaboration.
- Comfortable working in cross-functional teams spanning consulting, technology, product, and domain experts.
- Communication & Ways of Working
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical and senior audiences.
- Strong problem-solving mindset, with the ability to synthesize ambiguous inputs into clear insights and actionable recommendations.
- Collaborative, intellectually curious, and comfortable operating in fast-moving, ambiguous environments where priorities evolve.
- Client-first mentality
- Intense work ethic
- Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach
How you'll grow:- Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
- Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
- Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions
Perks & Benefits:At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States, visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS.
Hybrid working model:We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
