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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Director, AI Data Science - **Company:** Exelixis Inc - **Location:** Alameda, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $244,000.0 - $346,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Business Analytics Applications, Bioinformatics, Clinical Data Management, Cloud Computing, Data Infrastructure, R (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, SQL Databases, Large Language Models, Generative AI, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations, Software Version Control, GXP, Unsupervised Learning, Databricks - **Published:** September 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://exelixis.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Exel/job/Alameda-CA/Senior-Director--AI-Data-Science_JR7093/apply ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 15 years of experience; or, * Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 13 years of experience; or, * PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or a related quantitative field and a minimum of 12 years of experience; or, * Equivalent combination of education and experience, * Significant experience leading the development and deployment of AI/ML and data science solutions in a clinical, pharmaceutical, or life-sciences setting, including in GxP-regulated environments. * Demonstrated experience leading and building teams (including managing managers), setting functional strategy, and managing budgets and external partnerships. * Proven track record influencing executive and cross-functional stakeholders and translating advanced analytics into portfolio-level decisions. * Experience establishing AI governance, validation and compliance frameworks; familiarity with CDISC standards (SDTM, ADaM) and clinical endpoint analysis strongly preferred., * Strategic leadership; ability to help set the operating model and multi-year roadmap for the AI/ML and data science function. * Advanced command of AI/ML and statistical methodology, including supervised/unsupervised learning, NLP, and Generative-AI, with the judgment to set standards for rigor and interpretability. * Working fluency in Python, R, and SQL sufficient to guide technical direction and evaluate solution quality. * Strong understanding of modern data platforms (Databricks, AWS), MLOps/LLMOps, version control (Git/GitHub), and reproducible, secure, audit-ready architectures. * Advanced understanding of the clinical development process and regulatory requirements (ICH, GxP) and AI governance in a regulated setting. * Executive-level communication, influencing, and stakeholder-management skills across technical and non-technical audiences. * Proven people leadership, mentorship, and organizational development capability. * Strong business acumen, including budget ownership and vendor/partnership management. Travel Requirements * 20% Ability to travel globally ## Description The Senior Director, AI Data Science is a senior leader accountable to help shape and execute the strategy, operating model, and innovation roadmap for AI/ML and data science in support of the Data and Statistical Sciences and wider Development organization. A key focus is ensuring operational efficiency gains. This role helps establish the scientific and methodological standards that translate complex clinical, operational, translational, and real-world datasets into high-quality, actionable insights that inform drug-development decisions. As part of the Center of Data Excellence, the Senior Director builds and leads a multidisciplinary team; helps shape the AI/ML investment and platform strategy; and serves as a thought leader and partner across Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, Clinical Data Management, IT, and the broader R&D organization., * Help define and drive the multi-year AI/ML and data science strategy, roadmap, and operating model for the function, aligning investments with portfolio priorities and enterprise objectives. * Lead and develop a high-performing team; set goals, allocate resources, manage performance and drive succession and talent development. * Establish standards and acceptance criteria for AI/ML model development, validation, interpretability and responsible/Generative-AI use in a regulated environment. * Serve as a senior scientific and strategic partner to Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, Clinical Data Management, IT and broader R&D, helping shape strategies that enable efficiencies and portfolio decisions. * Guide the design and scale-up of analytics products, LLM-based and Generative-AI workflows (e.g., automated TLF review, protocol digitalization), and decision-enablement dashboards from prototype through production hand-off. * Oversee the data platform, pipeline and reproducibility strategy on Databricks and cloud infrastructure, helping set standards for MLOps/LLMOps, version control, security, and audit-readiness. * Contribute to the AI governance, risk-management and compliance framework in cross-functional partnerships. * Represent Exelixis externally through publications, conference presentations, white papers, and industry engagement. * Champion a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, mentorship, and continuous learning across the data science team. * Performs other duties as assigned * Complies with all policies and standards, * Leads a functional team, including direct management of managers and/or senior individual contributors. * Indirectly supervise employees in other functions through a dotted line structure or via other subordinate supervisors. ## Related Videos - [Blueprints for Success: Steering a Global Data & AI Architecture](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1577-blueprints-for-success-steering-a-global-data-ai-architecture) - [Your imaginations is (no longer) the limit: how Generative AI empowers people to be creative](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/741-your-imaginations-is-no-longer-the-limit-how-generative-ai-empowers-people-to-be-creative) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [OLTP in the Lakehouse: Redefining Data for AI Workloads](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2038-oltp-in-the-lakehouse-redefining-data-for-ai-workloads) - [AI in High-Stakes Industries: Lessons Learned](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100253-ai-in-high-stakes-industries-lessons-learned) - [The shadows that follow the AI generative models](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/624-the-shadows-that-follow-the-ai-generative-models) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere)