Associate Director, AI-Driven Drug Discovery Data Science

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 298,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work model

On-site Cambridge

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. is seeking an experienced Data Science leader to advance data-driven drug discovery and development in Cambridge, MA.

You will integrate AI, mechanistic modelling, and MIDD to support decision-making across discovery to clinical development. The role requires collaboration across PKS M&S, Translational Medicine, and Data & Digital teams, with a hybrid on-site schedule and a salary range that reflects market factors and experience.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences or quantitative discipline.
• PhD with 5+ years or MSc with 8+ years of relevant experience in drug discovery or development.
• Strong expertise in machine learning, statistics, and data science methods.
• Demonstrated experience applying reproducible data science approaches to drug discovery or development.
• Experience combining mechanistic modelling and data-driven approaches is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of ADME, PK/PD, and/or translational modelling concepts.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R, including software development best practices (version control, testing, documentation).
• Experience with machine learning libraries such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Strong data visualization and exploratory data analysis skills.
• Ability to translate complex analytical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English (oral and written).

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance AI-driven MIDD by integrating mechanistic modelling and machine learning to bridge biology and clinical outcomes.
• Design and implement hybrid modelling pipelines where mechanistic simulations generate features for machine learning models.
• Translate model-derived biomarkers and mechanistic states into clinically relevant predictions and decision-support tools.
• Drive scientifically grounded AI approaches that enhance mechanistic understanding, ensuring rigor, interpretability, and robustness.
• Develop scalable, reproducible workflows integrating data science, mechanistic modelling, and in-house tools.
• Define and implement project-specific in silico modelling and data strategies aligned with key decision questions.
• Apply and advance currently available data mining and advanced analytics to link molecular structure, ADME properties, and pharmacological outcomes across modalities.
• Drive adoption and effective use of in silico models, tools, and data to accelerate decision-making.
• Collaborate with PKS, Translational Medicine, and Data & Digital teams to integrate diverse datasets (preclinical, clinical, external).
• Contribute to translational programs across disease areas and communicate modelling insights to influence decision-making.
• Stay current with advances in AI/ML and their application to ADME, PK/PD, and drug discovery and development, and proactively evaluate and bring appropriate innovation into practice to improve efficiency and scientific impact.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Biostatistics

Business Value Creation

Change Management

Curious Mindset

Data Governance

Data Literacy

Data Quality

Data Science

Data Visualization

Deep Learning

Graph Algorithms

Learning Agility

Machine Learning

Machine Learning Algorithms

Nlp (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) And

Genai

Organization Awareness

Pandas (Python)

Python

R

Sql

Stakeholder Engagement

Statistical Analysis

Time Series Analysis

Education

PhD or MSc in life sciences or quantitative discipline

Tools

scikit-learn

PyTorch

Keras

Python

R

Pandas

Job description

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. is seeking an experienced Data Science leader to advance data-driven drug discovery and development in Cambridge, MA.

You will integrate AI, mechanistic modelling, and MIDD to support decision-making across discovery to clinical development. The role requires collaboration across PKS M&S, Translational Medicine, and Data & Digital teams, with a hybrid on-site schedule and a salary range that reflects market factors and experience.