AI Oncology Portfolio Lead (Director)
- United States - California - San Diego
ROLE SUMMARY
As an AI-enabled strategic scientific leader, you will partner with Oncology Research Leadership to integrate AI-driven strategies that will drive data-informed decision-making across our Oncology Research pipeline. As the AI Portfolio Lead, you will bridge cutting-edge AI/advanced analytics with deep Oncology R&D expertise to guide our portfolio strategy. Working as an individual contributor reporting into the Head, Portfolio Strategy and Program Management, you will analyze and continuously assess Oncology Research projects using AI-driven insights (predictive models, scenario simulations, competitive intelligence) and propose actionable strategies to Oncology Research Leadership. This role is science-focused and spans across discovery and preclinical stage programs, ensuring that our project teams pursue the most promising scientific approaches and mechanisms of action. Your work will directly inform pipeline prioritization and resource allocation decisions, enhancing the quality and objectivity of governance deliberations with robust data.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Portfolio Analysis and Insights: Continuously analyze the oncology Research portfolio (ESD through Preclinical) using advanced AI/ML tools and analytics to evaluate each program’s scientific strength, probability of success, and strategic portfolio fit per disease area strategies.
- Strategy Recommendation: Develop and propose data-driven portfolio strategies (at both project and portfolio levels) to senior leaders and Research governance committee. Use scenario analysis and predictive modeling to highlight optimal project prioritization, pipeline balance, and resource allocation scenarios.
- AI-Enabled Decision Support: Integrate AI-derived insights (e.g. machine learning predictions, knowledge graphs including gaps, competitive landscape mining) into project team and governance discussions, ensuring decisions are based on comprehensive evidence and highlighting opportunities to pivot or accelerate programs.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with discovery research leaders, translational scientists, clinical development teams, and business/strategy functions to synthesize cross-domain data (experimental results, clinical data, external trends) into unified portfolio recommendations. Serve as a key liaison bringing data-backed perspectives to portfolio governance forums.
- Thought Leadership and Communication: Act as the subject matter expert on AI in R&D strategy, championing adoption of advanced analytics and decision intelligence tools.
- Prepare and present high-impact reports (dashboards, visualizations, executive presentations) that distill complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
- Prepare AI-enabled project strategy recommendations at the Governance meetings to guide milestone decisions.
- Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging AI technologies, industry best practices in portfolio management leveraging AI, and oncology scientific developments. Drive continuous improvement of our decision-making processes by identifying AI-driven new data sources or analytical approaches that enhance portfolio evaluation and forecasting accuracy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g. oncology, molecular biology, pharmacology, computational biology) and 5+ years of experience using AI to solve drug discovery problems, perform scenario modeling / simulation, and data visualization
- Experience working with AI/ML teams or implementing AI tools in R&D processes
- Experience interpreting and leveraging complex data models to drive decisions.
- Strong understanding of Oncology R&D workflows and the role of data and AI in scientific and clinical decision making
- 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical/biotech R&D, including direct involvement in drug discovery or development and strategic roles (e.g. Portfolio Management, R&D Strategy, or Advanced Analytics Projects).
- Deep understanding of drug discovery and development processes across multiple modalities (small molecules, biologics and ADCs) and oncology therapeutic area knowledge.
- Experience translating large, complex data sets and analyses into clear strategic recommendations.
- Excellent communication and influence skills, including experience presenting to and influencing Senior R&D or Executive Stakeholders. Adept at “storytelling” with data – crafting compelling presentations and reports that inform high-level decisions.
- Experience collaborating and leading cross-functional discussions and influencing without direct authority in a matrix environment
- Experience generating insights and driving initiatives
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Formal training or hands-on experience in data science, bioinformatics, or AI-driven decision support in a life sciences context.
- Broad exposure to multiple R&D domains (discovery, preclinical, clinical, translational, business development) enabling holistic understanding of how data informs decisions across the value chain.
- Experience championing new approaches or technologies within an organization, driving cultural adoption of data-driven decision-making, and managing change effectively.
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid--Will work on site an average of 2.5 days per week. Must be commutable to the site.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $176,600.00 to $294,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% 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.
Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.
U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.
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Information & Business Tech
Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives
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Each word in our purpose has meaning and reflects the value we strive to bring to patients and society:
“Breakthroughs” - These are the innovations, scientific and commercial, that we seek to deliver every day. All colleagues, regardless of role, level or location, strive for breakthroughs every day.
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Our purpose ensures that patients remain at the center of all we do. We live our purpose by sourcing the best science in the world; partnering with others in the healthcare system to improve access to our medicines; using digital technologies to enhance our drug discovery and development, as well as patient outcomes; and leading the conversation to advocate for pro-innovation/pro-patient policies.
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Pfizer Research & Development
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Benefits at Pfizer
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Our Competitive Benefits Programs help our colleagues by:
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- And so much more, depending on your country and site, Pfizer offers childcare facilities or discount programs, on-site health and/or fitness centers, movement and mindfulness solutions, “Log in for your Day” work flexibility and so much more.
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