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Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Hybrid work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in hybrid work are encouraged to apply.

Purpose:

The Gen AI POD Captain holds a pivotal position within the DigitalX organisation, responsible for multiple value teams under the EnablementX hub. This role involves leading and managing these teams, steering the POD’s strategic and tactical goals, and ensuring alignment with the aspirations of the DigitalX leadership. Essential duties include coordinating value teams, developing and implementing roadmaps, coaching team captains, guiding backlog grooming, leading POD management standups and retrospectives, consolidating value team statuses at the POD level, and working closely with the hub leadership team.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

+ Lead and guide teams and team captains, assisting in the planning and execution of tasks.

+ Foster a POD culture that values experimentation and ownership.

+ Collaborate and coordinate with employees across all levels to prioritise and align POD activities and deliverables.

+ Aim to create a unified team within the POD, ensuring everyone works together towards their objectives.

+ Facilitate meetings for discussions, including brainstorming, problem identification, and solution development.

+ Identify and address any risks or issues related to the POD.

+ Adhere to and promote the DigitalX operating model along with its processes and policies.

+ Provide regular coaching and feedback to POD members.

+ Report POD progress to DigitalX leadership.

+ Offer input on people development and performance to relevant DigitalX leaders.

Qualifications Required:

+ BA/BS in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience required.

+ ​Minimum of 8-10 years related experience in AI and ML space

+ ​Strong use of Microsoft Office applications and agile project management toolsets.

+ Excellent judgment and organization skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced Degree:

+ A Master's degree in fields like Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field is essential.

Technical Skills:

+ Extensive Machine Learning/Deep Learning Experience:

+ Significant hands-on experience with machine learning (ML) and deep learning, particularly with Large Language Models (LLMs).

+ Proficiency in LLM fine-tuning, training, and building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems.

Programming Skills:

+ Strong proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL.

+ Experience with relevant frameworks and libraries (e.g., PyTorch, Keras).

Cloud Computing:

+ Understanding of cloud-based data platforms and technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).

Software Engineering and Platform Engineering:

+ Experience in large scale platform development and deployment

Pharmaceutical Industry Knowledge:

+ GxP and Regulatory Compliance:

+ Familiarity with Good Practices (GxPs), regulatory requirements, and quality standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

+ Understanding of the drug discovery and development process, clinical trials, and regulatory submissions.

+ Bioinformatics and Computational Biology:

+ Knowledge of bioinformatics and computational biology, particularly in relation to drug discovery and development.

Leadership and Soft Skills:

+ Strategic Thinking:

+ Ability to develop and implement AI strategies aligned with business goals.

+ Cross-Functional Collaboration:

+ Strong collaboration skills to work with diverse teams, including data scientists, researchers, and business stakeholders.

+ Communication:

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Working Environment:

At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

Flexible grade level based on candidate background and skillset

Benefits:

+ Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

+ Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down

+ 401(k) match and annual company contribution

+ Company paid life insurance

+ Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions

+ Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

+ Referral bonus program

Category TechX

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans