Pfizer Is Certified as a Best Firm for Data Scientists

Pfizer has been certified as a Best Firm for Data Scientists by Analytics India Magazine (AIM) through its workplace recognition programme. The certification is based on structured feedback from data science and analytics professionals within the organisation. It evaluates how companies enable technical teams to contribute to enterprise decision-making.

The Best Firm for Data Scientists certification surveys assess workplace culture, access to leadership, collaboration, learning opportunities, and the nature of the analytical work delivered. AIM conducts an independent analysis of survey responses to understand how effectively organisations support data teams in their day-to-day work.

At Pfizer, the certification recognises the company’s Analytics Gateway and broader data science ecosystem, where teams work across functions to support business, research, and operational priorities.

Building and Scaling Data Science Capability

Over the past year, Pfizer has focused on building organised data science teams with defined ways of working and clear ownership across projects. This effort has involved setting up teams, aligning delivery with business needs, and ensuring analytics outputs are integrated into decision-making processes.

Commenting on this journey, Sutapa Das, director of Data Science and AI, said, "Thrilled and honoured to share that we have been certified as a Best Firm for Data Scientists by AIM. 

“Stepping into the role of Gateway Lead has been an incredible 12-month journey, building a talented team from the ground up, shaping our ways of working, and driving impact across the business,” Das said.

He further noted that they have not only grown together but also created meaningful value through data-driven solutions, from advanced predictive models that optimise decision-making to AI-powered analytics platforms enabling faster insights for critical business needs. 

Leadership teams have also worked across geographies and functions to enable collaboration at scale. Emma Mendonca, director of Data Science and AI, reflected on her experience with the Gateway Team over a year and has seen her growth as truly transformative. 

They have led initiatives that encouraged thinking bigger, innovating more rapidly, and developing solutions that make a meaningful impact. Each project has provided new insights about technology, leadership, and the strength of global collaboration. 

Recently, they celebrated a significant milestone: Analytical Gateway was named the AIM Best Firm for Data Scientist. This accolade represents not only a mark of distinction but also highlights the exceptional team they have been fortunate to work with and the culture of excellence cultivated collaboratively.

How Teams Work Across Business Priorities

Data science teams at Pfizer work closely with business stakeholders, engineers, and functional leaders to address defined business problems. Teams are engaged at various stages of projects, enabling data professionals to grasp how insights are utilised and assessed.

Chirag Shah, manager of Data Science and AI, highlighted that joining the Gateway Team revealed a culture where data drives better decisions and strategies, ultimately benefiting patients. He expressed pride in the team's recognition as the Best Firm for Data Scientists, viewing it as a reflection of people, collaboration, and shared purpose. He feels grateful to contribute to a meaningful mission of transforming insights into impact.

Senior team members highlight their involvement in enterprise initiatives as a key aspect of their roles. Nikhil Kumar Mishra, senior manager of Data Science and AI, expressed pride in being part of the Gateway team, a collaborative group driven by innovation and impact. 

He described his experience as a valuable learning journey, working directly with advanced AI technologies like Generative AI and Agentic AI on real-world enterprise applications. Mishra also mentioned that the team's efforts were recognised with the Best Firm for Data Scientists award, highlighting strong teamwork, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. He valued the leadership at Analytics Gateway and his colleagues at Pfizer, and he looks forward to making further contributions.

Certification and the Data Science Talent Landscape

Across industries, demand for experienced data science professionals continues to grow. Beyond compensation, professionals increasingly seek roles that offer learning through practice, ownership of work, and clear links between analytics and business outcomes.

For Pfizer team members, the AIM recognition aligns with their everyday experience. Sheetal Pandrekar, Manager Data Science and AI, shared, "The recognition feels especially rewarding because it reflects the everyday experiences of those working here. I feel proud to contribute to a team that is setting high standards not just for data science excellence but also for what a great workplace should look like.” 

The Best Firm for Data Scientists certification by Analytics India Magazine (AIM) is considered a benchmark for organisations seeking to build structured and credible data teams. Companies participate in the programme to gather employee-led insights and review internal practices that support long-term capability development.