• Job Description

  Req#: 281506

  About the Department

  The Data Science organization within Novo Nordisk's global Development organization is responsible for clinical data capture, storage, analysis, modeling and simulation as well as the application of artificial intelligence/machine learning. The team consists of approximately 800 collaborative, diverse, and passionate people who have a true sense of pride in our work and are committed to helping others grow and develop in their careers. The Director, Data Science Outsourcing plays a pivotal role in developing and optimizing our data science outsourcing strategy and execution and will be responsible for building this function within the new Data Science External Affairs team..

  The team is comprised of collaborative, diverse and passionate people who have a true sense of pride in their work and are committed to helping others grow and develop their careers. You’ll also have a platform to engage with key stakeholders on a global scale throughout the entire pipeline process. And while changing the future of diabetes and obesity treatment is no easy task, we also recognize the importance of an enjoyable workplace, which is why we’ve cultivated a culture of fun, ingenuity and innovation. And our competitive compensation package and support of a healthy work-life balance all add to a best-in-class employee experience. We are changing lives for a living. Are you ready to make a difference?

  The Position

  Data Science Outsourcing will be a key enabler to drive growth and expansion of the company's clinical pipeline and further the use of data science across the value chain. This position will ensure the effective outsourcing and management of clinical data science projects, leveraging cutting-edge external technologies and methodologies, to drive innovation and optimize operational efficiency. To accomplish this, the role will require collaborating with internal stakeholders, managing vendor negotiations and relationships, and fostering operational excellence in outsourced data science activities. Strong candidates will have experience in strategic outsourcing, conducting internal vendor due diligence processes, contract/scope of work negotiation and implementation, and navigating high-complexity or truly novel engagements within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. A background in supporting efforts in data science, RWE, AI/ML, and/or clinical research is strongly preferred, but not required.

  Relationships

  This position reports to the Vice President, Data Science External Affairs in Novo Nordisk’s Data Science Development organization. The Director, Outsourcing Data Science is a key senior expert in the Data Science External Affairs group, leading and coordinating all Data Science outsourcing activities across various stakeholders in the value chain. As Data Science Outsourcing is a new function, you will play a key role in helping build this area with the newly established External Affairs department. The position will have multiple touchpoints both within Data Science and critical Novo Nordisk collaborators as well as with external vendors and partners.

  Essential Functions

  • Develop and Implement Outsourcing Strategy for Data Science:
    • Define and execute the outsourcing strategy for data science initiatives in clinical research, aligning with company goals and objectives
    • Identify areas suitable for outsourcing and determine the optimal mix of in-house and outsourced data science activities
    • Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
    • In outsourcing processes for data science projects
  • Vendor Identification, Selection, and Management:
    • Identify and evaluate potential vendors, contract research organizations (CROs), and other service providers with expertise in data science for clinical research
    • Lead the vendor selection process, including the development and execution of requests for proposals (RFPs), bid evaluations, and negotiations
    • Establish and maintain effective relationships with vendors, ensuring adherence to quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints in data science activities
    • Monitor vendor performance and conduct regular assessments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. Ensure clear communication, adherence to quality standards, and prompt delivery of data and data science activities according to contractual obligations

  • Contract Negotiation and Budget Oversight:
    • Negotiate and finalize contractual agreements with vendors, ensuring clear expectations and deliverables for data science projects
    • Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to ensure contractual terms and conditions align with company policies and regulatory requirements
    • Monitor and control project budgets for outsourced data science activities, providing oversight and accountability for expenditures
    • Implement strategies to optimize cost efficiency in data science outsourcing without compromising quality or compliance
  • Cross-functional Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Data Science, Clinical Operations, Legal, Procurement, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Project Management, to ensure seamless integration of outsourced data science activities
    • Communicate and align outsourcing plans, project timelines, and performance metrics with relevant departments
    • Foster effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners to drive successful execution of data science projects

  • Risk Management and Issue Resolution:
    • Identify potential risks specific to data science outsourcing and develop risk mitigation strategies to proactively address challenges
    • Lead problem-solving efforts and escalate critical issues to senior management, providing timely and well-informed recommendations for resolution
    • Stay updated with industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to data science outsourcing in clinical research ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines
    • Partners with internal customers to identify and evaluate available outsourcing and resourcing options to support decision- making relative to service needs. These customers are both within Data Science, within other Development Areas as well as legal/finance/procurement functions.

  Physical Requirements

  0-10% overnight travel required. Ability to lift 0 – 10lbs.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as data science, life sciences, business administration, or a related discipline. Master’s degree is preferred, but not required
  • 10+ years of relevant work experience in developing and implementing outsourcing strategies for data science. Additional relevant advanced degrees may be substituted for experience as deemed appropriate.
  • Relevant experience may include experience in vendor evaluation, contract negotiation and management, and vendor performance management within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology or contract research organization (CRO) industry, preferably in the area of Data Science or a related field
  • Proven ability to assess outsourcing and resourcing options, considering both short-term project needs and long-term strategic goals. Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization as well as experience in collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify service requirements and make informed decisions. General knowledge of all phases of drug development (Pre-Clinical, Phase I - IV, post-marketing/approval activities) with special knowledge of outsourcing and experience working with stakeholders within the biostatistics, programming and data management is preferred
  • Understanding of contract management principles, including drafting and negotiating contracts, managing vendor relationships, and assessing contractual risks. Experience with high-complexity engagements and negotiating business terms and budgets. Strong attention to detail and ability to work through highly detailed contracting language
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage both internal and external relationships. Demonstrated experience building key internal relationships and becoming a trusted strategic collaborator with various internal stakeholders that enable the execution of the partnership, such as legal, finance, business operations, and procurement. Possess the ability to advocate for the company’s needs as a designated representative of the company while maintaining positive relationships with vendors
  • Demonstrated strong project management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple data science projects in a fast-paced environment supporting key deliverables for stakeholders. Can reliably deliver impactful results within specified timelines and budgets
  • Proven ability to drive operational excellence, implement process improvements, and optimize cost efficiency in data science outsourcing. The ability to think outside of the box and challenge existing norms, bringing fresh perspectives to optimize data science outsourcing practices is preferred
  • Leadership potential mentor and develop team members in the data science domain over time
  • Are able and willing to quickly learn new areas of data science and stay up to date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to data science outsourcing in clinical research

  We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

  At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

  Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

  If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

• About the company

  Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark, with production facilities in eight countries, and affiliates or offices in 5 countries.

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