Scientific AI Platform Lead, Data Science, Disease Area X

Novartis AG; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 102,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

14 weeks parental leave

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Equity awards

Job summary

Novartis AG in Basel is seeking a Senior Expert I/II, Data Science to lead enterprise AI analysis platforms accelerating drug discovery. The role partners across disciplines, operationalises generative AI, and shapes the DAx AI data strategy, reporting to the Head of Data Science, DAx.

Hybrid Basel location; relocation not offered. Strong background in AI/ML, data engineering and cross-functional leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in AI/ML or related discipline with practical experience.
• MS with 5+ years post-graduate experience considered.
• 3+ years hands-on scientific data science or engineering, AI/ML in biotech/tech.
• Experience building production-grade multimodal data platforms.
• Familiar with omics analyses and agent orchestration.

Responsibilities

• Translate AI needs into impactful, decision-enabling solutions.
• Design, build, and maintain scalable AI pipelines and data products.
• Scale AI workflows with reproducible, secure, and FAIR data practices.
• Prioritise resources against evolving research needs.
• Governance, evaluation, deployment, and lifecycle practices.
• Mentor cross-functional teams including scientists and engineers.
• Oversight of external vendors and service providers.
• Communicate strategy and results through internal/external docs and talks.

Skills

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms

Data engineering

Workflow orchestration

Version control

Pytorch

Omics pipelines

LLM patterns

Education

PhD in AI/ML or related

MS with 5+ years experience

Tools

Snowflake

Databricks

Palantir Foundry

AWS

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, operationalise 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.

About the Role

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.

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, operationalise 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.

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.
• Prioritise 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 modelling, 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 organisation.
• 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 schreiben and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally. Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)