Associate Director

Mavericks Wanted

When was the last time you achieved the impossible? If that thought feels overwhelming, you might want to pause here, but if it sparks excitement...read on
 
In 2015, we pioneered a “moneyball for biotech” approach, pooling projects and promising early-stage research from academia together under one financial umbrella to reduce risk and unleash innovation. This model allows science and small teams of experts to lead the way. We build bridges to groundbreaking advancements in rare disease, and develop life-changing medicines for patients with unmet needs as fast as humanly possible. 
 
Together we define white space, push boundaries and empower people to solve problems. If you're someone who defies convention, join us and work alongside some of the most respected minds in the industry. Together, we'll ask "why not?" and help reengineer the future of biopharma.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a visionary Associate Director, Data & Analytics – Data Engineer/Scientist to join our team of data engineers to shape the enterprise data landscape at our innovative life sciences organization. In this senior leadership role, you will define and execute a holistic data strategy that empowers our pharmaceutical/biotech business – enabling advanced business intelligence, automating data governance workflows, and supporting cutting-edge predictive modeling initiatives.

Based in San Francisco, CA with a flexible hybrid work arrangement, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (G&A functions, Commercial, Medical, Compliance, and others) to ensure our data architecture and practices drive value, uphold regulatory standards, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The ideal candidate is an experienced data leader with deep expertise in AI/ML, modern cloud data architectures, and the unique data and compliance needs of the biotech/pharma sector. As a key member of our leadership team, you will influence strategy and foster a data-driven culture aligned with our mission to deliver life-changing therapies.

Responsibilities

Data Strategy and Governance:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive data management and analytics strategy that aligns with organizational goals
• Establish and enforce data governance policies, standards, and best practices
• Maintain strict compliance with healthcare laws and guidelines (e.g. FDA regulations, GxP, HIPAA) and global data privacy standards (GDPR, CCPA)

Master Data Management, Data Quality, and Integration:

• Define and implement a Master Data Management (MDM) roadmap for the enterprise in collaboration with various business teams
• Define data quality standards and implement assurance processes
• Facilitate data integration across systems and sources for a unified view of organizational data
• Monitor data quality metrics and spearhead efforts to address data issues
• Establish capabilities for Data catalog, Metadata Management, and Data Dictionary
• Implement data security protocols and access controls to safeguard sensitive data
• Conduct regular data audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance
• Evaluate and implement modern data technologies, tools, and platforms (cloud services, databases, ETL/ELT tools, analytics and AI platforms) that best fit our needs
• Manage relationships with external vendors and data providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring high-quality service for data management, integration, and analytics solutions

Data Analytics and Reporting:

• Lead business intelligence and analytics teams for reporting and advanced analytics
• Develop and deliver relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Dashboards for various business teams
• Ensure data is readily available and accessible for deriving business insights

Architecture and Infrastructure:

• Oversee the design and maintenance of data architectures, including data warehouses, data lakes, and data pipelines
• Collaborate with Infrastructure teams to ensure data infrastructure scalability, reliability, and performance
• Evaluate and recommend data management technologies and tools
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of cloud architecture, security best practices, and cost optimization strategies
• Proven experience in managing cloud infrastructure, with a focus on Azure and AWS
• Drive the implementation of a “single source of truth” for all critical data, integrating information across R&D, clinical, commercial, and medical functions

AI-Driven Analytics:

• Leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance our data capabilities
• Enable advanced analytics and business intelligence by implementing AI/ML solutions that automate data cleansing and governance workflows, detect data anomalies, and power predictive modeling for key business outcomes (e.g. forecasting, patient insights)

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with departments across the entire organization to understand their data needs and pain points. Prioritize and deliver data solutions that support various functions – from commercial analytics and medical insights to compliance reporting – fostering a culture of data-driven innovation across the company

Where You'll Work

This is a hybrid role and requires in-office collaboration 2-3x per week in our San Francisco Office.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
• 7+ years of progressive experience in data strategy, data architecture, analytics, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Industry experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare is highly preferred, including familiarity with the unique challenges of regulated data (e.g. clinical data, patient data, commercial pharma data)
• Proven expertise in designing and managing modern data architectures and platforms. Hands-on knowledge of cloud-based data technologies (e.g. AWS, Azure, Databricks, Snowflake ecosystems), data warehousing and data lake concepts, data integration/ETL tools, and big data processing frameworks. Experience with business intelligence and analytics tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, Spark, Python/R for analytics) and AI/ML frameworks
• In-depth understanding of data governance principles and best practices (data quality, MDM, metadata management, data lifecycle)
• Experience implementing data governance programs and working with data stewardship councils
• Strong background in analytics – able to guide teams in advanced analytics and oversee the development of predictive models or AI-driven data products
• Solid knowledge of data privacy and security regulations relevant to life sciences (such as HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA) and familiarity with compliance standards in pharma/biotech (GxP, 21 CFR Part 11 for data systems, etc.). Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance in all data initiatives
• Strategic thinker who can translate business strategy into effective data solutions. Outstanding communication skills – capable of articulating a vision and complex data concepts in simple terms to influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong cross-functional collaboration abilities to work effectively with commercial, scientific, IT, and compliance teams
• Highly analytical and resourceful, with superior problem-solving abilities. Proven project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. A drive for innovation and continuous improvement, with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude to tackle challenges
• Genuine passion for leveraging data and emerging technologies, such as AI, to advance healthcare and patient outcomes. Alignment with a patient-focused, science-driven culture – you thrive in an environment that values integrity, innovation, urgency, and collaboration

Rewarding Those Who Make the Mission Possible

We have high expectations for our team members. We make sure those working hard for patients are rewarded and cared for in return. 

Financial Benefits:

• Market leading compensation 
• 401K with 100% employer match on first 3% & 50% on the next 2%
• Employee stock purchase program
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Referral program with $2,500 award for hired referrals

Health & Wellbeing:

• Comprehensive health care with 100% premiums covered - no cost to you and dependents
• Mental health support via Spring Health (6 therapy sessions & 6 coaching sessions)
• Hybrid work model - employees have the autonomy in where and how they do their work 
• Unlimited flexible paid time off - take the time that you need
• Paid parental leave - 4 months for birthing parents & 2 months for non-birthing parents
• Flex spending accounts & company-provided group term life & disability 
• Subsidized lunch via Forkable on days worked from our office

Skill Development & Career Paths:

• People are part of our growth and success story - from discovery to active drug trials and FDA pipelines, there are endless opportunities for skill development and internal mobility
• We provide career pathing through regular feedback, continuous education and professional development programs via LinkedIn Learning, LifeLabs, Spring Health & BetterUp Coaching
• We celebrate strong performance with financial rewards, peer-to-peer recognition, and growth opportunities