Scientific AI Platform Expert, Disease Area X

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 78,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Performance-based bonus

Long-term equity awards

Insurance and retirement plans

Job summary

The Scientific AI Platform Expert at Novartis will join the DAx Data Science team in Basel to build enterprise-grade AI analysis platforms and data products for accelerating drug discovery. You will lead multidisciplinary projects, operationalize generative AI, and collaborate with IT teams on data strategy and governance.

Role requires 3+ years in scientific DS or AI/ML, strong software/data engineering skills, and experience with omics pipelines and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science/engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline, with 3+ years of hands-on experience in scientific data science or engineering, AI/ML, computational research.
• Experience building and operating production-grade multimodal data platforms for scientific analysis: omics data, data modeling, patient metadata, lineage, access controls, and reproducible workflows.
• Experience with omics analysis pipelines (i.e. genomics, transcriptomics), MCP, LLM patterns, biological foundational models, agent orchestration, and deep learning frameworks (i.e. Pytorch) is preferred.
• Familiarity with agentic frameworks like Claude Science, Biomni, Gemini or open-source co-scientist platforms.
• Deep practical experience in software or data engineering (agile), including Python, SQL, version control, testing, workflow orchestration, cloud platforms, and data lakes (Snowflake, Databricks, Palantir Foundry, AWS).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, ethical, self-awareness, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate scientific and operational AI needs into impactful, decision-enabling solutions.
• Hands-on design, build, and sustain scalable AI-focused omics pipelines, APIs, and integrated data products.
• Scale AI workflows using reproducible, transparent, secure, and FAIR data practices.
• Prioritize resources against evolving research needs.
• Provide input on project evaluation, deployment, lifecycle, and governance practices.
• Assist with onboarding of external vendors and service providers.
• Present results and strategy through internal/external communications and documentation.

Skills

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms

FAIR data practices

Communication skills

Education

BS or MS in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science/engineering, mathematics, physics

PhD (recent graduates considered)

Tools

Snowflake

Databricks

Palantir Foundry

AWS

Git

Job description

Salary Range: CHF78,400.00 - CHF145,600.00

Job Description Summary

The Scientific AI Platform Expert will join the Disease Area X (DAx) Data Science team at Novartis to build enterprise-grade, AI analysis platforms and data products to accelerate drug discovery. This role will lead and partner on multidisciplinary project teams, operationalize generative and agentic AI solutions, contribute to shaping DAx AI data strategy, and collaborate with enterprise IT teams. This role reports to the Head of Data Science, DAx.

Job Description

Internal job title: Expert I/II, Data Science

Position Location: Basel, CH, Hybrid

** This role is based in Basel, CH. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Job description Summary

The Scientific AI Platform Expert will join the Disease Area X (DAx) Data Science team at Novartis to build enterprise-grade, AI analysis platforms and data products to accelerate drug discovery. This role will lead and partner on multidisciplinary project teams, operationalize generative and agentic AI solutions, shape DAx AI data strategy, and collaborate with enterprise IT teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate scientific and operational AI needs into impactful, decision-enabling solutions.
• Hands-on design, build, and sustain scalable AI-focused omics pipelines, APIs, and integrated data products.
• Scale AI workflows using reproducible, transparent, secure, and FAIR data practices.
• Prioritize resources against evolving research needs.
• Provide input to the team on project evaluation, deployment, lifecycle, and governance practices.
• Assist as needed with the onboarding of external vendors and service providers.
• Effectively provide input to the team on strategy, implementation details and results through internal and external presentations, posters, publications, and technical documentation.

Essential Requirements

• BS or MS in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science/engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline, with 3+ years of hands-on experience in scientific data science or engineering, AI/ML, computational research within the biopharma and/or technology industry. We will also consider qualified recent PhD graduates (within last 2 years).
• Experience building and operating production-grade multimodal data platforms for scientific analysis: omics data, data modeling, patient metadata, lineage, access controls, and reproducible workflows.
• Experience with omics analysis pipelines (i.e. genomics, transcriptomics), MCP, LLM patterns, biological foundational models, agent orchestration, and deep learning frameworks (i.e. Pytorch) is preferred.
• Familiarity with current agentic frameworks such Claude Science, Biomni, Gemini or other open-source co-scientist platforms.
• Deep practical experience in software or data engineering (i.e. agile), including Python, SQL, version control, testing, workflow orchestration, cloud platforms, and data lakes (i.e. Snowflake, Databricks, Palantir Foundry, AWS).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, ethical, self-awareness, and customer service skills.

Desired Requirements

• Demonstrated record of scientific or technical impact through publications, conference proceedings, open-source contributions, patents, or deployed data products.
• Experience leading and supporting cross-functionally across diverse science or engineering teams, influencing key stakeholders across a matrix organization.

Benefits & Rewards

• At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.
• Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: CHF 78,400 - CHF 145,600
• The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.
• The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives.
• We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
• Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package.
• Further details will be provided during the application process.
• Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf
• Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable.
• A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Biostatistics
• Curious Mindset
• Data Governance
• Data Literacy
• Data Quality
• Data Science
• Data Visualization
• Generative AI
• Graph Algorithms
• Learning Agility
• Logistic Regression Models
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Machine Learning Algorithms
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
• Pandas Python Library
• Python (Programming Language)
• R Programming
• Statistical Analysis
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Time Series Analysis

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.

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