R&D AI Manager

• 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.

• 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

• 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

What We Do

ZS is a management consulting and technology firm that partners with companies to improve life and how we live it. We transform ideas into impact by bringing together data science technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Founded in 1983 ZS has more than 15000+ employees in over 40 offices worldwide.

Why Work With Us

ZS is home to passionate people who embrace innovative thinking collaboration and a client-first mindset. Welcome to a company where new ideas are celebrated curiosity is welcomed learning opportunities are abundant and colleagues become lifelong connections.

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