AI Scientist – Image Analysis & Digital Pathology

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working options

14 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge (US) or Basel is seeking an AI/ML scientist with deep expertise in digital pathology to join the Oncology Data Science team. This onsite role includes relocation support and cross-site collaboration.

You will apply advanced AI approaches to digital pathology data (H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics), work with foundation models, and help advance imaging biomarkers for oncology drug discovery.

Qualifications

• PhD in ML, CS, applied math, computational biology or related field; MSc with 4+ years experience also considered.
• Strong experience with pathology imaging modalities (H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics).
• Understanding of ML methods for segmentation, classification, detection and representation learning.
• Experience with generative AI, foundation models, geometric and multi-modal learning.
• Proficient in Python and DL frameworks (e.g., PyTorch); strong communication skills and ability to publish results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply AI/deep learning approaches to extract insights from digital pathology imaging datasets.
• Work with foundation models to advance generative AI applications in drug discovery.
• Support imaging biomarker development by analyzing pathology imaging data with translational teams.
• Contribute to evaluation, validation, and benchmarking of image analysis workflows.
• Perform tissue segmentation, cell phenotyping, feature extraction, and spatial analysis.

Skills

pathology imaging analysis

deep learning

PyTorch

communication

publications

Education

Ph.D. in ML/CS/Computational Biology

MSc in ML/CS/Computational Biology (with 4+ years experience)

Tools

PyTorch

Job description

Summary

Location: Cambridge or Basel

Onsite

Relocation is offered for this role.

The Oncology Data Science team in Biomedical Research at Novartis works at the intersection of oncology drug discovery, computational biology, AI/ML, and data engineering. We are seeking an enthusiastic AI/ML scientist with deep expertise in digital pathology and a strong curiosity for translational research to join the AI & Innovation Team.

This role will apply advanced AI approaches to generate insights from complex imaging datasets and support our oncology drug discovery programs.

About The Role

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and apply AI / deep learning approaches to extract insights from digital pathology imaging datasets (e.g., H&E, IHC, mIF, Spatial transcriptomics).
• Work with foundational models, including pre-trained, self-supervised, multi-purpose, and multi-modal models to advance generative AI applications in drug discovery.
• Support imaging biomarker development efforts by analyzing pathology imaging data and collaborate with pathologists and translational teams to interpret image-derived biomarkers and biological findings.
• Contribute to evaluation, validation, and benchmarking of image analysis algorithms and workflows.
• Perform tissue segmentation, cell phenotyping, feature extraction, and spatial analysis using state-of-the-art computational approaches.
• Stay current with advances in computational pathology, AI/ML, and spatial biology technologies; contribute to scientific publications; and present results at internal and external scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology or related field. Candidates with MSc in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology or related field, with 4+ years of relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• Strong experience analyzing pathology imaging modalities including H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, and / or spatial transcriptomics data.
• Understanding of machine learning methods for segmentation, classification, detection, and representation learning.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: generative AI, digital pathology foundation models, geometric deep learning and / or multi-modal learning.
• Excellent programming skills and proficiency in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, with openness to learning new tools and technologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate complex data insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Strong research skills, evidenced by publications in leading scientific journals and / or conference presentations.

Rewards

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

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 a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range For Role

• US: 126,000.00 - 234,000.00 USD Annual

The 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.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

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.

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:

Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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.

Benefits and Rewards:

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.