Head of Oncology AI Innovation & Medical Strategy

Today, Pfizer Oncology has an industry-leading portfolio of 25 approved innovative cancer medicines, including major therapies for metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer, urothelial carcinoma and haemato-oncological malignancies. Pfizer’s in-line portfolio is focused on four broad, key areas: breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology and precision medicine, complemented by an extensive pipeline of over 50 programs in clinical development.

• The Sr Director Medical Affairs Oncology AI Innovation will report into the Medical Strategy Management Head and manage a team of Oncology AI Innovation Directors.
• The Sr Director Oncology AI Innovation is a vital and highly visible role within the Pfizer Oncology organization, acting as the strategy business partner across Oncology Medical and Medical stakeholders across the wider Pfizer enterprise for all Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation-related initiatives.
• The successful candidate will be an established and successful health technology leader passionate about the potential of digital innovation to transform how Medical can help breakthrough oncology therapies alter clinical practice and transform cancer patients’ outcomes.
• The incumbent will be accountable for creating a digital / AI-first mindset and culture across Oncology Medical teams, enable internal and external collaboration around Medical use cases of AI / digital innovation initiatives and lead on external engagement to identify, evaluate, and secure AI / digital innovation opportunities for Oncology Medical. It is expected that these efforts will provide direct and visible benefits to Pfizer Oncology’s pipeline and in-line portfolio in the near-, mid-, and long-term.
• They will be accountable to the Pfizer Oncology Medical Leadership Team for setting strategy for identifying and qualifying internal and external Medical-relevant AI/digital innovation opportunities, providing a methods stewardship role by identifying impactful use cases for AI within Pfizer Oncology Medical to positively enable Medical Strategy generation and execution, process efficiency, and Field Medical effectiveness. Example use cases could include improved medical landscape sensing, Medical Strategy deliverable production process improvements, Field Medical excellence analytics and Medical content personalization, etc.
• The incumbent will be accountable for building and leveraging relationships (via matrix leadership) with senior cross-functional stakeholders across Oncology Scientific Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, International Medical Affairs, Pfizer US (Medical Platforms) and Digital to ensure cross-enterprise alignment on Oncology Medical’s AI / digital innovation strategy and initiatives.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy:

• Accountable for portfolio of AI investments for Pfizer Oncology Medical: steering and overseeing this through its lifecycle, to identify investments, prioritize and optimize. Provides line and matrix leadership to the Oncology AI / Innovation Directors, Oncology Medical and International Medical Affairs colleagues, Pfizer US (Medical Platforms) AI teams and non-Medical Enterprise AI Leaders, continuously seeking to improve AI innovation, collaborate and optimize the Enterprise AI infrastructure and reduce data/ model overlaps.
• Lead as an AI Subject Matter Expert within Pfizer Oncology Medical, championing AI and innovative digital technology to achieve Pfizer Oncology Medical’s goals and drive future access for patients in a faster and HCP/patient centric manner.
• Responsible for identifying and articulating opportunities for digital technologies/transformation to enhance the effectiveness of Medical Strategy and US Field Medical and optimize processes for the oncology pipeline and in-line portfolio.
• Serve as an internal entrepreneur who can ‘join the dots’ across Pfizer Oncology, Pharmaceutical Research and Development (PRD), International Medical Affairs, Pfizer US (Medical Platforms) and Enabling Functions to develop cross-functional ways of working and deliver solutions that make Pfizer Oncology Medical a more effective organization, establishing the role as an invaluable business partner.
• Maintain current knowledge of Medical-relevant technology trends and industry solutions via market intelligence and strategic vendor partnerships. Work closely with Pfizer Oncology Scientific Affairs and Strategic Partnerships leaders to identify emerging external AI/digital innovations and technologies.
• Accountable for ensuring alignment with broader Pfizer Oncology AI strategy and standards (e.g., FAIR data models, etc.), working alongside the Oncology AI and Data Strategy Lead.
• Secure Pfizer Oncology and enterprise level investment to build and scale AI technologies to set up for success long term.
• Responsible for building and providing leadership for the innovation capability within Pfizer Oncology Medical and team management of the Oncology AI / Innovation Directors.
• Responsible for leading and managing the performance and career development of a team of Oncology AI/Innovation Directors.

Implementation:

• Lead cross-functional matrix solutions teams to execute against Pfizer Oncology’s AI breakthrough goals within the Medical context, in partnership with International Medical Affairs, Pfizer US (Medical Platforms), and Digital.
• Accountable for business case / ROI expectations for above innovation opportunities (in partnership with Business Development where relevant) and work with Pfizer Oncology Medical departmental leaders, Pfizer US (Medical Platforms) colleagues and the Pfizer Oncology LT to obtain Pfizer Oncology and enterprise endorsement and funding for the proposed innovations.
• Provide colleagues across Pfizer Oncology Medical with innovative data/AI/ML solutions to complement and reorganize existing practices - including Identifying recent developments in AI research that may impact Oncology Medical. Responsibilities include budget management, KPI monitoring and successful deployment.
• Influence and engage senior stakeholders within Pfizer Oncology (especially Medical and Oncology Scientific Affairs and Strategic Partnerships), International Medical Affairs, Pfizer US (Medical Platforms) and the broader business, including interacting with machine learning (ML) professionals, data scientists and programmers within AI/Data COEs to ensure the successful implementation of novel AI-enabled Pfizer Oncology Medical approaches and/or strategic initiatives enhance the effectiveness of global Oncology Medical strategy deliverable development / execution and US Field Medical effectiveness, as well as providing strategic insight into programs.
• Accountable for the lifecycle of AI/digital solutions from concept design, prototyping, to development and release. Work with R&D IT teams to manage data governance, identify and manage data security risks and GxP validation requirements for digital technologies.
• Serve as a highly visible and respected thought leader in the field of oncology Medical data and AI, representing the organization in industry conferences, forums, and publications and with a wide network of senior external experts.
• Provide educational and training programs to senior internal stakeholders to enhance their understanding and adoption of data and AI technologies.

Impact:

• Accountable for measuring and demonstrating tangible business impact of AI solutions and analyzing data to assess ROI and making data driven decisions to optimize AI strategies for maximum value creation.
• Drive awareness among Pfizer senior leaders of the value created / ROI from oncology development-focused AI/digital technological innovation, and work with Oncology Scientific Affairs and Strategic Partnerships colleagues on external communications on these topics.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science (or related field) and expertise in implementation of AI/ML/DL-driven strategies. Deep insights into the biotech / healthcare AI/digital environment/ecosystem.
• 15+ years’ experience in leading cross functional teams to develop AI/digital solutions aligned with business goals for maximum impact and successful delivery.
• Of which, 10+ years’ experience in leading AI/digital innovation strategies and implementation in the biotech / pharmaceutical R&D / Medical field.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing AI strategies that drive innovation in oncology research and development.
• Experience working with novel technologies in a clinical development setting, including partnering with IT.
• Experience with establishing data governance and working within the framework of FAIR data principles.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization to deliver innovation projects, including managing SOP compliance and data privacy/regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in a broad range of AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with external partners and build strategic alliances and vendor management.
• Clearly articulated personal vision of the potential for AI to transform pharmaceutical Medical Strategy and Affairs
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex AI concepts and its application to Pfizer Oncology to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to develop strong interpersonal relationships with and influence senior Pfizer Oncology and non-Pfizer Oncology leaders (ELT+1, ELT+2) and earn their trust.
• Experience working with Design Thinking processes.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing AI and innovation strategies within biopharmaceutical industry or a similarly highly regulated setting.

LI-PFE

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $191,300.00 to $318,800.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 22.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Sunshine Act

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EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.