Scientific AI Platform Lead, Data Science, Disease Area X

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 102,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working options

Competitive benefits in kind

Long-term equity awards (discussed)

Parental leave (min 14 weeks)

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Novartis Pharma AG in Basel, Switzerland, seeks a Scientific AI Platform Lead to build enterprise-grade AI data products accelerating drug discovery. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, operationalize AI solutions, and shape DAx AI data strategy, reporting to the Head of Data Science. The role is Basel-based with hybrid work options.

Internal title: Senior Expert I/II, Data Science. Requires PhD/5+ years, 3+ years in data science, and strong software/data engineering experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, or related field with practical experience; MS +5 years also considered.
• 3+ years hands-on in scientific data science, AI/ML or computational research in biopharma or tech industries.
• Experience building production-grade multimodal data platforms for omics data and patient metadata.
• Familiarity with omics analyses (genomics/transcriptomics) and LLM patterns; agent orchestration and DL frameworks preferred.
• Software/data engineering proficiency: Python, SQL, version control, testing, workflow orchestration, cloud, data lakes.

Responsibilities

• Translate scientific AI needs into decision-enabling solutions.
• Design and sustain scalable AI omics pipelines, APIs, and data products.
• Scale AI workflows using reproducible, secure, FAIR data practices.
• Prioritize resources against evolving research needs.
• Establish governance, evaluation, and lifecycle practices.
• Mentor wet lab scientists, data scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
• Oversee external vendors and onboarding.
• Communicate strategy and results through presentations and publications.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Data Science

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms

Agile

Communication

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Data governance

Omics pipelines

Education

PhD in AI/ML or related field

MS with 5+ years post-grad experience

Tools

Python

SQL

Snowflake

Databricks

Palantir Foundry

AWS

Pytorch

Job description

Salary Range: CHF102,200.00 - CHF189,800.00

Job description Summary

The Scientific AI Platform Lead 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. This role reports to the Head of Data Science, DAx.

Internal job title: Senior Expert I/II, Data Science

Position Location: Basel, Switzerland (Hybrid)

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

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.
• Establish rigorous project evaluation, deployment, lifecycle, and governance practices.
• Mentor, train and coach wet lab scientists, data scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
• Provide oversight and onboarding of external vendors and service providers.
• Effectively communicate strategy, implementation details and results through internal and external presentations, posters, publications, and technical documentation.

Requirements

• PhD in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science/engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline with equivalent practical experience. We will also consider qualified MS degree applicants with 5+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in scientific data science or engineering, AI/ML, computational research within biopharma and/or technology industry.
• 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.
• Demonstrated record of scientific or technical impact through publications, conference proceedings, open-source contributions, patents, or deployed data products.
• 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).
• Experience leading and supporting cross-functionally across diverse science or engineering teams, influencing key stakeholders across a matrix organization.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, ethical, self-awareness, and customer service skills.

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 102.200- CHF 189.800 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
• Change Management
• Curious Mindset
• Data Governance
• Data Literacy
• Data Quality
• Data Science
• Data Visualization
• Deep Learning
• Graph Algorithms
• Learning Agility
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Machine Learning Algorithms
• Python (Programming Language)
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Statistical Analysis
• Time Series Analysis

In the context of China Cross-Border Data Transfer (CBDT) policy, if you need to apply for a position in China, please go to the local Recruiting System TaleNov .