Sr Director, Data Science

Company Information

At Advarra, we are passionate about making a difference in the world of clinical research and advancing human health. With a rich history rooted in ethical review services combined with innovative technology solutions and deep industry expertise, we are at the forefront of industry change. A market leader and pioneer, Advarra breaks the silos that impede clinical research, aligning patients, sites, sponsors, and CROs in a connected ecosystem to accelerate trials.

Company Culture

Our employees are the heart of Advarra. They are the key to our success and the driving force behind our mission and vision. Our values (Patient-Centric, Ethical, Quality Focused, Collaborative) guide our actions and decisions. Knowing the impact of our work on trial participants and patients, we act with urgency and purpose to advance clinical research so that people can live happier, healthier lives.

At Advarra, we seek to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone is treated with respect and diverse perspectives are embraced. Treating one another, our clients, and clinical trial participants with empathy and care are key tenets of our culture at Advarra; we are committed to creating a workplace where each employee is not only valued but empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Job Overview Summary

As the Sr Director of Data Science, you will lead the strategy and operations for data science within the organization. In this role, you will work closely with technology, security, and product teams to architect and develop the infrastructure needed to support an advanced analytics and insights platform. As a key member of the product area leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in designing, building, and deploying a comprehensive analytics solution that enhances clinical study optimization. Your work will be instrumental in shaping and executing a product roadmap that leverages cutting-edge data science methodologies, scalable infrastructure, and a strategic vision to drive innovation, business growth, and industry-wide adoption.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and drive the data science vision, strategy, and roadmap, aligning with business objectives to enhance study optimization and enable data-driven insights.
• Team Development: Build, mentor, and oversee a high-performing team of internal data scientists and external service providers, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Cross functional Collaboration: Works with Software Engineering, Software Test, Data Engineering and Cloud teams to ensure Product priorities are well defined and planned for.
• Platform Development: Oversee the design and implementation of data science stack, including data ingestion, cleaning, curation, and master data management, and repeatable infrastructure to support scalable and efficient advanced analytics.
• Data Infrastructure & Security: Lead efforts to create a robust, compliant, and secure data infrastructure that integrates internal and external data sources. Works with both legal and security teams to ensure adherence to Advarra data governance and security standards.
• Machine Learning & Model Deployment: Guide the development and deployment of machine learning models, ensuring their integration with business and technology workflows and infrastructure for real-time insights and decision-making.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Manage relationships with outsourced service providers, consultants, and cloud service providers, ensuring alignment with the roadmap, budget, and timelines.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with product, IT, quality, and business leaders to support data science initiatives, improve data visibility and accessibility, and enhance alignment with business functions.
• Innovation & Tool Selection: Evaluate and implement state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and approaches to ensure the platform is at the forefront of data science and big data capabilities.
• Continuous Improvement: Develop processes to monitor and improve the performance and efficiency of data models and platforms, ensuring consistent, data-driven decision-making across the business.

Location

This role is open to candidates working hybrid or remotely in India, Ireland, or the United States.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business analytics, data science, information management, computer science, statistics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science and analytics, with a strong background in cloud-based platforms (AWS preferred).
• 5+ years of experience building and deploying end-to-end data science and analytics solutions, including infrastructure, tools, and applications.
• 3+ years software development or other experience working on delivering products.
• Proven leadership experience mentoring and developing teams of data scientists, data engineers, and data architects.
• Strong proficiency in data science tools and languages, including R, Python, SQL, and Spark, and experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow).
• Demonstrated experience in Agile methodologies and best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as data science, computer science, or statistics.
• Experience in the life sciences or clinical research industry, with knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience in AWS for building and managing cloud-based analytics solutions.
• Expertise in designing data curation and model deployment processes in scientific or regulated environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to engage stakeholders and drive adoption of data-driven processes.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time at stationary workstation
• Regularly carry, raise, and lower objects of up to 10 Lbs.
• Learn and comprehend basic instructions
• Focus and attention to tasks and responsibilities
• Verbal communication; listening and understanding, responding, and speaking

Advarra is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability or genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Advarra provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of these protected characteristics. Further, Advarra takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated without regard to any of these protected characteristics in all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and separation from employment.

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The base salary range for this role is $​159,200 - $270,700​. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience and may vary from the amounts listed above. This position may also be eligible for a variable bonus in addition to base salary as well as health coverage, paid holidays, and other benefits.