Executive Director, Clinical Data Science

Position Overview

At Eisai, satisfying unmet medical needs and increasing the benefits healthcare provides to patients, their families, and caregivers is part of our human health care (hhc) mission. We’re a growing pharmaceutical company breaking through in neurology and oncology with a strong emphasis on research and development. Our history includes the development of innovative medicines, notably the discovery of the world’s most widely used treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. As we continue to expand, we are seeking highly motivated individuals who want to work in a fast-paced environment and make a difference.

This role designs, plans, and executes biostatistical components for research and development projects that establish critical conditions for determining the safety, efficacy, and marketability of pharmaceutical and/or biological products. The position utilizes sound statistical methodology for product life cycle studies, prepares protocol statistical components meeting health authority guidelines and clinical trial standards, develops or applies statistical theories, and summarizes data in formats amenable to statistical inference. Additionally, you will support regulatory review and approval of experimental therapies and contribute to trial design and clinical conduct standards.

We are seeking a visionary leader to shape and drive Clinical Data Science strategy across our global clinical development portfolio, ensuring rigorous application of statistical principles and advanced data science methodologies to optimize clinical trial efficiency and accelerate innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership – Define and execute Clinical Data Science strategies for clinical studies and development plans across the portfolio.
• Strategic Leadership – Serve as the primary spokesperson for Data Science at Health Authority meetings, leading preparation of responses and influencing regulatory perspectives.
• Innovation & Execution – Drive adoption of cutting-edge AI/ML methodologies for disease modeling, biomarker analysis, and precision medicine.
• Innovation & Execution – Oversee multiple large-scale, critical data science initiatives, ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables aligned with industry best practices.
• Risk Management & Problem Solving – Evaluate analytical options, proactively identify risks, and develop novel solutions to complex challenges.
• Thought Leadership & External Engagement – Represent the organization at technical seminars and conferences; build networks with industry experts to advance best practices.
• Team Leadership & Development – Manage and mentor a diverse team of data scientists and people managers across geographies.
• Team Leadership & Development – Foster career growth through open dialogue, performance management, and strategic development planning.
• Operational Excellence – Ensure GxP compliance in data science programming for clinical trials.
• Operational Excellence – Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and third-party deliverables to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Executive Communication – Deliver clear, compelling communication of complex data science concepts to internal and external stakeholders with executive presence.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biostatistics or a Master's Degree in Biostatistics in combination with a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related computational sciences.
• Deep expertise in statistical methods and their application in clinical trials.
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in clinical development, including Data Science and Biostatistics.
• Recognized thought leader in at least one data science discipline (e.g., AI/ML modeling, precision medicine).
• Proven experience presenting at external forums and influencing regulatory authorities.
• Strong people leadership experience in a Data Science setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in neurology, particularly Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers (plasma, CSF, imaging) is strongly preferred.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: $283,200-$371,700 per year
• Eligible to participate in Eisai Inc. Annual Incentive Plan & Eisai Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan.
• Benefits: Access to comprehensive Company employee benefit programs. For additional details, visit Compensation and Benefits.
• Additional benefits may be available; please discuss with your recruiter.