Senior Director - AI Machine Learning

About The Department

Are you enthusiastic about driving the design of next generation healthcare solutions that will change the life of patients with diabetes and other serious chronic diseases? Do you want to be on the cutting edge of science to discover novel therapies and delivery technologies that patients both need and want?

The Novo Nordisk research center Seattle serves as the foundation of the Novo Nordisk U.S. research and development efforts for diabetes, obesity, liver disease and other therapeutic areas. In addition to discovering new therapies and technologies, our dynamic team of scientists and engineers lead an aspirational charge to pioneer scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to prevent and ultimately cure chronic disease. It is where science and technology intersect, and a vision can become a clinical reality. Are you ready to make a difference? Then join us as we drive change to defeat chronic disease.

Who we are?

The AI and Analytics Team is part of Novo Nordisk’s Data Science division, where we apply sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques to some of the hardest problems in the discovery and development of new healthcare solutions. By leveraging a blend of scientific, problem-solving, and quantitative skills, we provide superior data insights that empower Novo Nordisk to further develop and deliver life-changing treatments. We work in multidisciplinary teams with strong collaboration across all areas of the organization and engage in external collaborations to ensure access to cutting edge research and technology.

We believe in the value of a diverse and inclusive culture. Together, we build and grow talent to ensure the development of new solutions. The team is comprised of collaborative, diverse and passionate people who have a true sense of pride in their work. We are committed to helping each other grow, and we are driven by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with chronic disease. Everything we do starts and ends with the patient. And, while changing the future of chronic disease treatment, such as diabetes and obesity, is no easy task, we also recognize the importance of an enjoyable workplace, which is why we’ve cultivated a culture of fun, ingenuity, and innovation. Our competitive compensation package and support of a healthy work-life balance all add to a best-in-class employee experience.

• alternative location for this position can be our Seattle, WA facility

The Position

Recognized as a key leader in Novo Nordisk's Data Science efforts, the Senior Director of AI/ML will drive activities developing and deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions in drug development. The individual will be a recognized expert in AI and ML algorithms, techniques, research and applications. The Senior Director of AI/ML acts independently as a leader, framing and driving innovation and project initiatives, aligned with the leading Corporate Vice President. The Senior Director leads a team of individuals to deliver on a portfolio of AL and ML projects across multiple therapeutic areas covering multiple drugs across all phases of development. The Senior Director leverages their domain knowledge in data engineering and algorithm development, as well as potential prior leadership experience, to ensure their team is developing and delivering solutions representing the latest state of the art in AI and ML. The Senior Director not only guides the team in the development and validation of algorithms and models in support of data science efforts which have a global impact on Novo Nordisk's efforts in this area, but moreover is responsible for department budgets, recruiting, and other leadership activities. Furthermore, the Senior Director will actively coach more junior Data Scientists in both professional development and project execution, setting technical direction and influencing the progression of initiatives across team boundaries. The Senior Director is perceived as an expert across the EVP area, anticipates internal and/or external business challenges and issues, and drives innovation in their field of expertise. Solves unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business.

Relationships

The Senior Director AI/ML reports to the relevant Corporate Vice President (CVP) in the global Data Science function. Internal partners include other team leaders in the specific CVP area, as well as more broadly in Data Science. Furthermore, key partners and stake holders include global clinical, medical and biological experts, colleagues in IT, and other experts across US and Denmark.

External relationships include relationships with commercial and academic collaboration partners.

Essential Functions

Scientific work

• Lead development and validation of algorithms based on established best practices and current emerging AI and ML research
• Drive implementation of data science best practices within the team
• Ensure a strong team collaboration within their team of Data Scientists to ensure progress on a portfolio of projects
• Lead initiatives to design, code, train, test, deploy, and iterate on algorithms, models, and machine learning systems
• Initiate new projects supporting and challenging the scope of the business unit
• Identify and propose improvement initiatives that evolve and improve the way the team works and collaborates
• Be a company-wide influential thought leader across Novo Nordisk globally for identification and implementation of evidence-based solutions using data science
• Manage and drive the collaboration with other Novo Nordisk areas, as well as external collaboration partners in industry and academia
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying and addressing unmet patient needs using data
• Prepare and present written and oral reports and proposals to peers and management
• Deliver new patents and scientific papers in support of the relevant research area

Collaborative teamwork

• Recruits, manages and leads a global team to develop AI and ML solutions
• Contribute to the development of and drives multiple strategic projects. Oversees daily operations of functions by directing staff and adhering to company-wide policies, procedures and programs
• Manages organizational design, structure, development, training and planning issues within sub-functionSolid NN value chain understanding and execution
• Ensures scalability of solutions and understand the importance of involving key stakeholders
• Actively participates in virtual global team meetings regularly
• Achieves business goals, shares learnings, knowledge and skills, and promotes cross-functional teamwork
• Raise the level of competency in the team by seeking and sharing domain knowledge in the area of Data Science, as well as Novo Nordisk’s therapy areas
• Actively mentors more junior Data Scientists with an eye on the long-term development of competencies both for the individuals, as well as across Novo Nordisk as a whole
• Actively establish and maintain a network of relationships to enable both self and team to efficiently drive impact across the global organization
• Drive the implementation of data science best practices across Novo Nordisk
• Demonstrates ability to drive frequent collaborations with external commercial and academic partners