R&D AI Manager

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving 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. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.

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.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.

ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.

To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.

NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.

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