Associate Director, Data Science

Novartis Farmacéutica; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 160,300 - 297,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an Associate Director – Data Science (Cambridge, MA) to lead data science initiatives bridging biology and clinical outcomes. You will advance AI-driven MIDD by integrating mechanistic modelling with machine learning to derive predictive insights for decision-making.

The role requires an advanced degree with substantial ML/DS experience, Python/R proficiency, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. The position is hybrid with on-site days in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in life sciences or quantitative field.
• PhD with 5+ years or MSc with 8+ years of drug discovery or development experience.
• Strong expertise in ML, statistics, and data science methods.
• Experience combining mechanistic modeling and data-driven approaches is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance AI-driven modeling in drug development.
• Design hybrid modeling pipelines integrating mechanistic simulations with ML features.
• Translate model-derived biomarkers into clinically relevant predictions.
• Drive rigor, interpretability, and robustness of AI approaches.
• Develop scalable workflows combining data science, modeling, and in-house tools.
• Define in silico modeling and data strategies aligned with decision questions.
• Link molecular structure, ADME properties, and outcomes across modalities.
• Promote adoption of in silico models to accelerate decision-making.
• Collaborate with PKS, Translational Medicine, and Data & Digital teams to integrate datasets.
• Communicate modelling insights to influence decision-making.
• Stay current with AI/ML advances and apply appropriately.

Skills

Machine learning

Statistics

Data science

Education

PhD with 5+ years

Advanced degree in life sciences or quantitative discipline

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

PyTorch

Keras

Job description

Job Title

Associate Director – Data Science (Cambridge, MA)

Overview

Novartis is a leader in data science and model-informed drug development. We are seeking an experienced data science leader to advance data-driven drug discovery and development by integrating advanced analytics, machine learning, and mechanistic modelling approaches in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance AI-driven MIDD by integrating mechanistic modelling and machine learning to bridge biology and clinical outcomes.
• Design and implement hybrid modeling 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.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences or quantitative discipline (e.g., data science, computational biology, pharmacometrics, bioinformatics, computational chemistry, biomedical engineering or related field).
• 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 modeling and data‑driven approaches is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of ADME, PK/PD, and/or translational modeling 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).

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is expected to range between $160,300 and $297,700 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Salary may be adjusted based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of in‑person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days a month on site in Cambridge, MA.