Associate Director, Digital Quantitative Sciences

Posted:
8/1/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Massachusetts, United States ⋅ Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Data & Analytics

ROLE SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Digital Quantitative Sciences is responsible for ensuring sound statistical thinking and methods are utilized in the discovery and development of novel digital and imaging endpoints; bringing the principles of objective decision-making into the development, validation, and implementation of industry-leading digital health technology programs for incorporation into clinical trials across Pfizer’s portfolio; and is an integral member of a matrixed team, which develops and employs computational and statistical approaches to discover and validate digital and imaging endpoints and biomarkers.

This role sits in Pfizer’s AI/ML, Quantitative & Digital Sciences (AQDS) team within Global Biometrics and Data Management, Pfizer Research & Development, leveraging multi-modal data, digital measures, and the power of quantitative science to inform trial designs, support clinical and regulatory strategy and build patient-centric health solutions. The successful candidate will partner closely with Translational Clinical Sciences, Biomeasures, Endpoints & Study Technology team to develop novel measures that advance drug development.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Demonstrate leadership experience and ability to influence and collaborate with peers and mentor others, and to oversee the work of colleagues to create business impact.

  • Lead novel statistical methodology projects with internal and external partners to advance the development of digital and imaging endpoints for use in clinical trials.

  • Collaborate with clinical teams and scientists in the design, analysis and reporting of clinical studies incorporating digital health technologies.

  • Work with scientists to understand the biology and improve existing or derive new digital endpoints and develop ‘fit-for-purpose’ statistical models.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including clinicians, data scientists and data managers to develop, validate and deploy algorithms and analysis pipelines to derive digital endpoints for use in clinical trials.

  • Ensure rigorous approaches are taken and good scientific practices are followed: excellent statistical methods utilized and documented in protocols, analysis plans and manuscripts, and assay methods are appropriately blinded, randomized and designed to meet clear study objectives.

  • Core member of scientific teams responsible for determining strategy and delivering results in a timely and high-quality manner.

  • Interact with internal and external experts to assure sound quantitative approaches are applied to the collection and analysis of a wide variety of data types, including digital health technology data, imaging, and blood-based biomarkers.

  • Bring innovative statistical thinking and methods to help drive data-driven drug discovery and development employing modern methods such as machine learning/AI, longitudinal and time series methods, multivariate and functional data analysis approaches, and Bayesian methodologies.

  • Use statistical expertise to prepare both internal and external reports, presentations, manuscripts, and documents for regulatory interaction.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications

  • MSc in Statistics, Biostatistics or in quantitative discipline such as Physics, Applied Mathematics, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering coupled with high level of statistical expertise.  Research experience with mathematical/statistical modeling using complex data and six years or more of industrial or similar experience.

Technical Skills                  

  • Fluency in R programming 
  • Strong background in experimental design and statistical analysis including good understanding of inference and probability, competence in contemporary linear and predictive modeling including (longitudinal) mixed models, nonlinear regression, and predictive modeling.

  • Pharmaceutical applications desired, with early clinical (phase I and phase II) and translational experience a definite advantage.

  • Expert level knowledge of machine learning algorithms, feature selection and optimization.

  • Genuine interest in biology and pharmaceutical development, with the attitude of self-directed scientist; demonstrated ability to multitask.

  • Outstanding communication skills; Ability to explain statistical and modeling concepts to non-experts.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as a part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in Statistics, Biostatistics or in quantitative discipline such as Physics, Applied Mathematics, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering coupled with high level of statistical expertise.  Research experience with mathematical/statistical modeling using complex data and two or more years of postdoctoral, industrial, or similar experience.

Technical Skills                  

  • Programming in Python
  • Knowledge of SAS and MATLAB

  • Prior use of cloud computing tools, e.g., AWS

  • Experience analyzing digital health technologies data, such as accelerometry, wearable devices and mobile app data.

  • Experience in imaging data analysis.

  • Knowledge of methods of signal processing including electrophysiological data analysis.

  • Knowledge of functional data analysis approaches and Bayesian methods.

  • 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.


Work Location Assignment: On premise with relocation support available

#LI-PFE


The annual base salary for this position ranges from $131,200.00 to $218,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 17.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 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, and 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.

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.

Medical

Pfizer

Website: https://www.pfizer.com/

Headquarter Location: New York, New York, United States

Employee Count: 10001+

Year Founded: 1849

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt

Industries: Biotechnology ⋅ Health Care ⋅ Medical ⋅ Pharmaceutical ⋅ Precision Medicine