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Director, Data Science

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Carlsbad, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/23/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/22/2025
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

DIRECTOR, DATA SCIENCE

Summary

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Director of Data Science to spearhead the establishment and growth of our Data Science team within Ionis. This key role will drive the data science roadmap for Ionis and execute the projects to bring the roadmap to life. These could range from projects to in Research for drug discovery to speeding our clinical trials to commercial launches. This role will also engage with citizen data scientists across Research, Clinical, and Commercial domains, fostering a collaborative environment that leverages data-driven insights to enhance our operations and decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

Establish Data Science Strategy:

  • Develop a comprehensive data science strategy that aligns with the company's strategic goals, emphasizing the integration of data and AI/ML to support business initiatives.
  • Collaborate with leadership teams to set clear, data-driven objectives and measurable outcomes.
  • Create a strategic roadmap for both short-term and long-term data science projects.

Build The Data Science Capability

  • Work with various departments to identify key areas where data science can add value. Develop standardized processes for integrating data-driven solutions into everyday business operations, ensuring that data science becomes a core competency of the organization.
  • Design and implement training programs that equip employees across various departments with essential skills in AI/ML, statistics, and data science methodologies. This initiative will empower citizen data scientists and elevate the organization’s overall data literacy.
  • Curate a comprehensive suite of advanced data science and AI tools tailored to the organization’s needs. Evaluate, select, and implement various platforms and software that facilitate data analysis, model development, and deployment. Ensure that these tools are readily accessible to all employees, enabling them to leverage AI capabilities in their projects effectively.

Engage With Citizen Data Scientists

  • Collaborate with citizen data scientists across various departments, including Research, Clinical, and Commercial, to identify their data needs and challenges.
  • Empower non-technical stakeholders by providing the tools and resources necessary to leverage data science insights effectively.
  • Promote a data-driven culture throughout the organization, ensuring that all teams are equipped to utilize data science methodologies.

Evaluate And Implement Data Science Toolsets

  • Research and assess advanced data science tools, platforms, and technologies to determine the best solutions tailored to the company’s needs.
  • Oversee the onboarding and integration of new data science software, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and workflows in collaboration with IT and data engineering teams.

Leverage AI/ML Opportunities

  • Identify and prioritize opportunities for AI/ML applications across pharmaceutical functions, including R&D, clinical trials, and patient data analysis.
  • Develop and prototype AI/ML models to drive operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and streamline processes.

Train And Support Internal Users

  • Create and deliver training programs that educate internal stakeholders on data science methodologies, tools, and AI/ML concepts.
  • Offer ongoing support to business users, helping them maximize the value derived from data science solutions.

Foster Collaboration And Communication

  • Work closely with cross-functional teams including research scientists, product managers, and business leaders to understand data needs and provide actionable insights.
  • Communicate complex data science concepts and model results to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner.
  • Present regular updates to senior management on data science initiatives, key performance indicators, and progress towards strategic goals.

Drive Continuous Improvement And Innovation

  • Stay informed about the latest trends in data science, AI, ML, and pharmaceutical technologies to keep the company at the forefront of innovation.
  • Evaluate and implement new methodologies, tools, and best practices to continuously enhance the company’s data science capabilities.

Requirements

  • Master’s in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a Scientific Field
  • Minimum of 15 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, 12 years with a master’s, or 8 years with a PhD—or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years in data science or analytics, with a focus on AI/ML.Proven experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry is strongly preferred.
  • Expertise in machine learning algorithms, predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and data mining.
  • Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) and databases (e.g., SQL, NoSQL).
  • Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and big data technologies (e.g., Databricks).
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Proven leadership and team-building capabilities, with a focus on collaboration.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with drug discovery, clinical trial, and commercial data.
  • Understanding of regulatory requirements related to data science in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Certification in data science, AI, or related fields is a plus.
  • Experience with Agile (e.g., Scrum)

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition # IONIS003177

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://www.ionis.com/careers/working-at-ionis/#:~:text=to Applicants »-,Benefits,-Employees are rewarded

The pay scale for this position is $164,884 to $240,000

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Salary : $164,884 - $240,000

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