Senior R&D Data Scientist

DESCRIPTIONDriven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team! POSITION PURPOSEPDI is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to help lead the digital transformation of R&D by building connected, AI-ready data and analytics capabilities across the organization.This role will design, build, and operate systems that collect, structure, and analyze scientific data from R&D laboratories to accelerate product development, improve decision-making, reduce manual effort, and strengthen compliance across regulated environments. The position partners closely with R&D, Quality, IT, and external vendors to integrate laboratory instrumentation, automate workflows, and develop scalable analytical and machine learning capabilities across the R&D lifecycle.WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLEOpportunity to help shape the future of digital R&D within a growing organizationHighly visible role partnering across Science, Quality, and TechnologyAbility to influence foundational AI and analytics capabilitiesWork in a regulated environment where innovation and scientific rigor intersectESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIESDefine and maintain scientific data standards, metadata structures, and governance practices across R&D workflowsEnsure data integrity, traceability, and compliance with ALCOA+ and 21 CFR Part 11 principlesValidate data transformations and ensure scientific validity is preserved throughout the data lifecycle, from raw instrument output through interpreted resultsLead structured recovery and AI-enabled extraction of historical R&D data to unlock reusable scientific knowledge and improve discoverability of prior experiments and learningsTranslate scientific and business problems into analytical and statistical solutionsApply modeling and experimental design techniques such as DOE, chemometrics, predictive analytics, and machine learning methodologiesDevelop ML-ready datasets and reusable data structures to support advanced analytics and automationPartner with scientists, IT, and vendors to integrate laboratory instrumentation with digital data environmentsDefine instrument-level data capture, metadata schemas, and audit trail requirements to support traceability, compliance, and scalable analyticsTranslate laboratory workflows into scalable digital processes and systemsServe as a key technical liaison between R&D and IT for scientific data architecture and digital initiativesTrain and support scientists on digital tools, data capture best practices, and analytical workflowsTranslate scientific, regulatory, and business requirements into practical, scalable technical solutionsEnsure inspection readiness and traceability from raw scientific data through analytical interpretation and decision-makingHelp drive the transition from intuition-based to evidence-based scientific decision-making across R&DWHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEIncreased automation and reduced manual effort across R&D workflowsImproved accessibility, reuse, and integrity of scientific dataFaster and more informed scientific decision-makingReduction in redundant experimentation and development inefficienciesIncreased adoption and effectiveness of digital and analytical toolsDevelopment of scalable, compliant, and AI-ready data environmentsStrong cross-functional collaboration across R&D, Quality, IT, and external partnersQUALIFICATIONSEducationMS or PhD strongly preferred in a quantitative or scientific discipline such as:Data ScienceStatistics or Applied MathematicsChemistry or Chemical EngineeringComputational Chemistry/PhysicsBioinformaticsRequired Knowledge & Experience6+ years of combined experience across areas such as:Statistical modeling and advanced analyticsScientific data engineering and transformationLaboratory instrumentation and scientific software platformsAI/ML-enabled analytical workflowsExperience with Python, R, SQL, JMP, or similar analytical toolsExperience with DOE, predictive analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning methodologiesFamiliarity with laboratory data sources including formulation, analytical, and stability dataUnderstanding of regulated environments including FDA, EPA, Medical Device, and/or Cosmetic frameworksPreferredExperience with LIMS, ELN, or scientific informatics platformsKnowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, audit trails, and data integrity principlesExperience supporting regulated product development environmentsExposure to AI/ML platform engineering or workflow deploymentSkills & AbilitiesStrong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teamsAbility to translate complex scientific workflows into scalable digital systemsComfortable operating across R&D, Quality, Informatics, and IT environmentsStrong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilitiesWORKING CONDITIONSSome work on laboratory systems may be required, resulting in a hybrid office and lab environment.Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa sponsorship. SALARY RANGE$140,000 - $150,000 annuallyBENEFITSPDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverageHealth Savings Account (HSA)DentalVision401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharingBasic and supplemental Life and AD&D insuranceFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Short & long-term disabilityEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Health Advocacy ProgramPDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.Job SummaryRequisition Number: SENIO006681Job Category: Technical ProfessionalsSchedule: Full-Time