Technical Director AI and Computational Sciences (AICS)

Job Description Summary

-Independently lead Data or Data Science and AI global initiatives part of the overall Enterprise and Divisional Data or Data Science Strategy to contribute solving unmet medical needs, in collaboration with various stakeholders. -Role model a culture of analytical and data driven decision making and data/data sciences across Novartis leadership in research, development, commercial, manufacturing and support functions. -Deep technical experts with key accountability for a significant project, business activity. -Shape future direction for own part of the organization based on the overall organization strategy provided by business leadershipIf managing a team: empowers the team and provides guidance and coaching.   

 

Job Description

Technical Director AI and Computational Sciences (AICS)

Novartis has embraced a bold strategy to drive a company-wide digital transformation. Our objective is to position Novartis as an industry leader by proactively adopting digital technologies that foster innovative approaches to hasten drug discovery and development. By utilizing both internal and external R&D data with the power of data science, predictive models, generative AI, and machine learning, our objective is to identify new targets, create more effective therapeutic molecules, better predict drug pharmacokinetics and safety risks, refine clinical trial design, and significantly shorten development cycles. The AICS team leads BR in exploring and applying advanced AI and ML methodologies to generate novel drug discovery insights, and to speed and improve drug discovery efficiency whilst focusing on patients’ needs.

AICS partners with drug discovery teams, raises the level of AI expertise across Biomedical Research (BR) and ensures that BR science keeps up with the rapidly evolving ecosystem of AI technologies by connecting with AI leaders in academia and industry.

This role supports the work to create and deploy GenAI and Agentic Systems throughout BR in collaboration with the AICS and RX teams, BRs data science community and key stakeholders.

Purpose of the role

GenAI and Agentic Systems:

• Build, implement, and deploy a cutting-edge and impactful portfolio of GenAI and Agentic models with BR drug discovery project teams and drug discovery platforms
• Raise the level of GenAI expertise & capabilities across BR
• Help position AI-aided drug discovery contributions to deliver and support progress of BR’s portfolio, enable new kinds of therapeutic discoveries, shorten cycle times, and increase efficiency.

Collaboration & partnership

• Regularly communicate, engage, align with AICS teams, broader data science community, and senior scientists.
• Initiate and lead key high-value internal collaborations across BR.
• Help to identify, recommend, and evaluate opportunities for GenAI collaborations across BR
• Provide subject matter expertise, input, and evangelism to the field of AI across BR

What you’ll bring to the role:

• 10+ years of significant experience in innovation, development, deployment and continuous support of Machine Learning tools and models
• Expertise in bringing advanced analytics insights and actions to a large Research organization & deep understanding of Drug development
• Passion for understanding emerging technologies with pragmatic insight into where those technologies can be integrated into business solutions
• Ability to balance requirements, manage expectations, and drive effective results using a proactive attitude towards identifying and resolving issues
• Entrepreneurial spirit with can-do, pro-active attitude
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and influencing skills and demonstrated track record of exceptional teamwork
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to execute and prioritize well in a complex matrixed environment.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $194,600 and $361,400 per year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacat