AI Associate Principal

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. Here you'll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.
What you'll do: AI Commercial Associate Principal will...
AI & Data Science Strategy

• Define and lead AI transformation roadmaps for pharma clients, aligning data science innovation with commercial strategy and business priorities.
• Shape and communicate a clear AI vision for clients, identifying high-value use cases and building the organizational capabilities to scale them.
• Advise senior stakeholders on how to leverage machine learning, GenAI, and agentic AI to enhance customer engagement, marketing effectiveness, forecasting, field operations and patient services operations.
• Represent ZS as a thought leader on AI-driven business transformation within pharma, contributing to industry forums, publications, and innovation programs.

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end AI program design and implementation, from defining the problem and identifying data sources to model development, piloting, and scaled deployment.
• Drive business impact by ensuring AI initiatives are tightly integrated into client workflows, supported by change management and clear ROI tracking.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams - including data science, analytics, business transformation and technology - to deliver solutions that are both technically robust and commercially relevant.
• Ensure consistent delivery excellence across multiple AI programs, managing risk, scope, and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong familiarity with AI and ML platforms, cloud environments, and MLOps practices (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, AWS, Azure, MLflow) to effectively guide technical discussions and program success

Client & Business Leadership

• Build and sustain trusted advisory relationships with VP- and C-level leaders across commercial, analytics, and data functions.
• Partner with clients to identify new AI opportunities, build investment cases, and shape multi-year AI transformation roadmaps.
• Lead business development efforts - from shaping proposals and presenting solutions to expanding relationships across client organizations.
• Contribute to the evolution of ZS's AI offerings, ensuring they reflect the latest in data science innovation and real-world commercial needs.

Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead and mentor teams of consultants and data scientists to deliver high-impact AI programs.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and intellectual rigor.
• Provide structured feedback, career development, and leadership opportunities for emerging AI talent at ZS.
• Promote close collaboration between consulting, analytics, and technology practices, ensuring integrated client delivery.

What you'll bring:

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in AI and data science to business transformation, with significant exposure to pharma commercial functions (sales, marketing, market access, or patient services).
• Proven success in designing and implementing AI/ML programs that drive measurable business outcomes, not just model accuracy.
• Demonstrated experience in shaping AI strategy and leading large, cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Deep expertise in data science methodologies, machine learning, and the application of Generative and Agentic AI in business contexts.
• Strong understanding of pharma commercial data ecosystems (e.g., patient data, HCP data, RWD, CRM/marketing data).
• Familiarity with modern AI and data technology environments to enable effective partnership with technology teams.
• Track record of executive engagement and stakeholder management at VP and C-suite levels.
• Experience leading and inspiring global teams across geographies and functions.
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect AI innovation to tangible commercial outcomes.
• Recognized or emerging thought leader in AI applications for life sciences.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and storytelling skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving innovation.
• Passion for transforming healthcare and patient outcomes through AI.
• Willingness to travel as required for client engagement

How you'll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:
At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills-building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in United States , visit ZS US office locations | Where we work | ZS .
Hybrid working model:
We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.
Travel:
Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.
Considering applying?
At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems-the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.
If you're eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply.
ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law.
To complete your application:
Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An on-line application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered.
NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE.
Find Out More At:
www.zs.com
Salary: $275,000.00 - $331,000.00