Associate Director / Director, Global Generative AI

The Associate Director / Director, Global Generative AI will establish and scale BioNTech’s generative AI capabilities to support its upcoming global Oncology launches. This leader will drive the vision, design, and deployment of generative AI solutions across commercial functions, ensuring cutting-edge use of large language models and adjacent technologies. This role is highly visible, directly shaping how BioNTech leverages AI for transformational impact in commercial operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute BioNTech’s generative AI strategy, roadmap, and governance across commercial functions.
• Design and implement enterprise-grade generative AI solutions (mandatory), including:
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for knowledge management and customer support.
• Fine-tuning and domain adaptation of LLMs for pharma/oncology use cases.
• Prompt engineering and optimization frameworks.
• Agentic architectures for workflow automation.
• Build and maintain a library of generative AI use cases across marketing, sales, market access, and medical affairs.
• Ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape for generative AI in healthcare.
• Drive large-scale adoption and change management, ensuring strong business impact and user satisfaction.
• Partner with global commercial teams, affiliates (US, Germany, etc.), IT, and senior leadership to align generative AI initiatives with strategic business needs.
• Monitor KPIs, ROI, and solution performance to ensure ongoing operational success.
• Serve as BioNTech’s thought leader in generative AI, advising executives and influencing the company’s AI innovation agenda.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in AI/ML, with at least 3+ years in Generative AI-focused roles.
• Expertise across multiple generative AI domains, including RAG, fine-tuning, LLM orchestration, prompt engineering, and agent-based architectures required.
• Proven track record of deploying LLMs in enterprise/commercial settings, with measurable business outcomes.
• Strong programming background (Python required) and familiarity with ML/LLM frameworks.
• Experience with pharma commercial data (launches, next-best action, RWE) strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage vendors/partners, and deliver at scale.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to translate technical capabilities into business value for senior leadership.

Expected Pay Range for Associate Director: $150,000/year to $200,000/year + benefits, annual bonus & equity (bonus and equity is variable and dependent on company and individual performance). *Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Expected Pay Range Director: $190,000/year to $250,000/year + benefits, annual bonus & equity (bonus and equity is variable and dependent on company and individual performance). *Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Your Benefits:

BioNTech US is committed to employee wellbeing and offers best-in-class benefits & HR programs to support an inclusive & diverse workforce. Salaried/Position-Targeted Hourly Employees working 30+ hours per week are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life, AD&D, Critical Illness Insurance
• Pre-tax HSA & FSA, DCRA Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance & Concierge Program (EAP) available 24/7
• Parental and Childbirth Leave & Family Planning Assistance
• Sitterstream: Virtual Tutoring & Childcare Membership
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Bereavement, Holidays (including Floating) & Year-End U.S. Shutdown.
• 401(K) Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement & Student Loan Assistance Programs
• Wellbeing Incentive Platforms & Incentives
• Professional Development Programs
• Commuting Allowance and subsidized parking
• Discounted Home, Auto & Pet Insurance

…and more! More details to be shared.

Berkeley Heights is New Jersey's growing hub within the life sciences industry and has already demonstrated the state’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the field. New Jersey's integrated approach to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals harmonizes academic rigor, industrial capability, and government support to create thriving conditions for a growing ecosystem. Cultivating an environment that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge research, robust manufacturing capabilities, and a dynamic business landscape, New Jersey has become a powerhouse in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology. As this region of New Jersey continues to develop, it stands ready to shape the future of medical science and technology, driving progress and improving health outcomes worldwide.

Apply now - We look forward to your application!

Apply for our New Jersey, US location and simply send us your documents using our online form.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that a background check will be conducted as part of the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are considered for the position, BioNTech will conduct the background check through our service provider ‘HireRight’. You will be informed accordingly by your BioNTech-Recruiter.