Director, Applied AI – Horizon Scanning

Pfizer

. Identify, evaluate, and translate emerging AI technologies, capabilities, vendors, and industry trends into actionable opportunities for Pfizer’s U.S.

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $162,900 - $271,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in evaluating and translating emerging AI technologies into actionable business opportunities, with a strong focus on strategic recommendations and partnership evaluations. Proficient in navigating complex regulatory environments and communicating technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Generative AITechnology StrategyAI Roadmap DevelopmentStrategic Partnership EvaluationEmerging Technology Assessment

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Artificial IntelligenceMachine LearningData ScienceTechnology ScoutingInnovation StrategyAnalytical SkillsStrategic ThinkingExecutive CommunicationProofs of Concept DesignRegulatory Compliance

Soft Skills

CollaborationInfluencing SkillsAdaptabilityProblem-Solving

Industry Keywords

PharmaceuticalsHealthcareLife SciencesU.S. Commercial FunctionsMarket AccessPatient SolutionsField EnablementCommercial Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, evaluate, and translate emerging AI technologies, capabilities, vendors, and industry trends into actionable opportunities for Pfizer’s U.S. Commercial organization
Lead horizon scanning, external technology intelligence, capability assessment, technology scouting, rapid evaluation, and future-state capability planning
Monitor emerging AI technologies, vendors, startups, research, industry developments, and competitive activity
Produce executive updates, AI outlooks, horizon-scanning updates, concept papers, opportunity briefs, and strategic recommendations
Evaluate technical feasibility, scalability, differentiation, data requirements, integration considerations, enterprise readiness, and business value
Identify emerging AI capabilities and translate them into U.S. Commercial use cases and future-state capabilities
Assess external AI ecosystem capabilities and recommend whether opportunities should be monitored, tested, partnered, incubated, scaled, or retired
Design and oversee proofs of concept, defining learning objectives, evaluation criteria, success measures, and decision points
Manage a prioritized pipeline and portfolio of emerging AI opportunities from initial signal through evaluation, experimentation, partnership recommendation, roadmap integration, or closure
Assess security, privacy, legal, regulatory, compliance, quality, and Responsible AI considerations
Partner with AI Partnerships & Ecosystem, Product Management, AI Applications, Data Strategy, Transformation & Delivery, Governance, Risk, Architecture, Digital, and business teams
Transition approved partnership opportunities to the AI Partnerships & Ecosystem Lead for engagement and relationship management
Communicate complex technical and market developments to business and executive audiences
May lead a small team and direct cross-functional evaluation teams, external experts, contractors, or project-based resources
Travel based on business, conference, technology-evaluation, and team needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, business, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
8+ years of progressive experience in AI, technology strategy, innovation, product strategy, architecture, consulting, emerging technology, or related roles
Strong understanding of generative AI, agentic systems, machine learning, foundation models, and enterprise AI architectures
Experience evaluating emerging technologies and translating technical concepts into business opportunities and strategic recommendations
Demonstrated ability to monitor complex external landscapes, synthesize weak signals, and distinguish durable trends from hype
Experience developing executive-ready insights, business cases, opportunity briefs, or technology recommendations
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to senior business and technical leaders
Demonstrated success operating in ambiguous, fast-moving, and highly matrixed environments
Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, collaboration, and influencing skills
Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer
Permanent work authorization in the United States is required
U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future
Advanced degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, business, data science, or a related discipline
Experience in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, life sciences, or another highly regulated industry
Experience in innovation strategy, technology scouting, venture ecosystems, startup assessment, strategic partnership evaluation, or corporate development
Experience building AI roadmaps and evaluating AI investments or partnerships
Knowledge of U.S. Commercial pharmaceutical functions, customer engagement, marketing, market access, patient solutions, field enablement, or commercial operations
Strong knowledge of AI, technology, research, academic, startup, and innovation ecosystems
Experience designing and evaluating rapid experiments or proofs of value
Ability to travel based on business needs
Ability to work across global teams and time zones

Benefits

Comp & perks

Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of base salary
Share based long term incentive program
401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
Paid vacation, holiday and personal days
Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
Medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility