About this opportunity
Pfizer lists this AI Oncology Portfolio Lead (Director) opportunity in rheba, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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.
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
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.
Sunshine Act Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
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.
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Information & Business Tech
Pfizer careers are like no other. In our culture of individual ownership, we believe in our ability to improve future healthcare, and potential to transform millions of lives. We’re looking for new talent to join our global community, to unearth new innovative therapies that make the world a healthier place.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.