Principal Product Manager

**Description**:
**About us**
We are Digital Science and we are advancing the research ecosystem.
We are a pioneering technology company, and our vision is of a future where a trusted and collaborative research ecosystem drives progress for all. We believe in better, open, collaborative and inclusive research. In creating the next generation of tools and working in partnership with the community we tackle some of the biggest challenges to research. In order to achieve our vision, we need innovative, inspiring and dynamic people to join our team. Want to join us?
Digital Science is building the research system of the future, and AI is central to that transformation. DS Nova is our dedicated AI innovation unit made up of nimble, autonomous, cross-functional squads that focus on rapidly prototyping and validating AI-native research tools.
We operate with a startup mindset inside Digital Science, moving from concept to user-validated prototype in short cycles with a philosophy of "fail fast or prove fast." DS Nova has a dual purpose: creating breakthrough AI products for researchers and pioneering new approaches to product development that can influence how Digital Science builds and validates products more broadly.
This isn't a traditional product management role. We're not looking for someone to manage feature backlogs or incrementally optimize existing products. We're looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, who wants to invent what doesn't yet exist, and who can translate between human needs and AI solutions.
**The Role**
We are seeking an experienced Product Manager to join a DS Nova squad and work with engineers, designers, AI researchers, and domain experts. This role is focused on 0 to 1 product discovery and development, leading rapid prototyping cycles with continuous validation from real users and stakeholders.
You will own the definition of problem spaces, translate complex technical challenges into market opportunities, and guide early-stage products through proof-of-concept phases toward potential transition into core product teams. You will also help DS Nova refine product development methodologies that may be adopted across all of Digital Science.
**What you'll be doing**:
**Product Strategy & Problem Definition**
- Lead the definition of problem spaces, set clear goals, and identify opportunities aligned with market drivers and business models
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis, synthesizing findings into concise presentations for senior leadership
- Define differentiation strategies and contribute to early commercial positioning
- Develop frameworks and evaluation criteria to guide Nova projects from concept to handoff
- Help establish best practices and frameworks that can be adopted across Digital Science's broader product organization
**AI Discovery and Validation**
- Collaborate with engineering and research teams to assess technical feasibility, data needs, and cost-effectiveness
- Translate complex AI challenges into clear market opportunities and user value propositions
- Define success metrics that combine model performance, user experience, and business outcomes
- Shape human-in-the-loop workflows that balance automation with expert judgment
- Ensure data quality and evaluation methodologies are established early in each project
**Product Development & Execution**
- Guide rapid prototyping sprints and iterative development cycles
- Prioritize and refine features based on user validation and market potential
- Prepare deliverables and ensure readiness for handoff to core product teams
- Create and deliver compelling demos that highlight problem statements, technical solutions, and data architectures
**Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management**
- Act as a primary liaison between engineering, design, data, commercial, and client-facing teams
- Communicate value propositions to both internal and external stakeholders
- Provide strategic feedback on technical requirements and client needs
- Contribute actively in team standups and strategic planning
**Responsible AI Leadership**
- Champion responsible AI practices including bias mitigation, transparency, and privacy protection
- Ensure AI systems are explainable and build trust through clear documentation of capabilities and limitations
- Balance rapid innovation with ethical considerations and regulatory requirements
**What you'll bring to the role**:
**Essential Experience**
- 4+ years of product management experience with a strong track record in discovery, definition, and delivery
- Proven ability to build products from scratch in agile or iterative environments
- Experience translating technical complexity into clear user and market opportunities
- Success working with cross-functional teams across engineering, design, and commercial functions
- Strong analytical skills with experience in market research, competitive analysis, and synthesis of stakeholder feedback
**Technical and Doma

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