Director Oncology Data Science LMW

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 194,600 - 361,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based cash incentive

401(k) with company contribution

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous time-off package

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Director of Data Science. This role involves leading a team of data scientists focused on Low Molecular Weight drug development, collaborating with Oncology teams, and executing innovative data-driven strategies. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in data science within oncology and a Ph.D. in related fields. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a data science role in oncology drug development.
• 5+ years of people management experience in the data science space.
• Strong expertise in quantitative and computational biology approaches.
• Proven history of contributions to the scientific community.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a global team of data scientists.
• Co-develop and execute a data science strategy.
• Align with Oncology Drug Development teams.
• Collaborate closely with the Oncology Data Science AI team.
• Present work at conferences and in scientific journals.

Skills

Leadership

Data Science

AI/ML

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in data science or related fields

Tools

Bulk RNA-seq

scRNA-seq

ChIP-seq

ATAC-seq

Hi-C

Job description

Summary

About the role: Onsite

The Oncology Data Science team in Biomedical Research supports the Oncology Disease Area with computational biology, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML), and data engineering for novel therapeutics across multiple drug modalities. As integrated scientists and engineers, we apply advanced analytics to pre-clinical and clinical projects, enabling progress in target discovery, drug development, and translational and clinical science.

We seek a Director of Data Science to lead our global team of US and Europe-based data scientists specializing in Low Molecular Weight (LMW) drug development who will guide the LMW data science team, collaborate closely with Oncology stakeholders and Biomedical Research, and introduce innovative data-driven solutions to enhance our LMW portfolio and benefit patients.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a global team of US and Europe-based data scientists, driving high-quality data science that is grounded in deep understanding of biology and applicable data science methodologies and approaches.
• Co‑develop and execute a data science strategy to enable and enhance innovation in the LMW drug development space.
• Closely align with the Oncology Drug Development teams to represent the low molecular weight data science function and ensure effective embedding of data science in drug development teams and alignment on scientific direction.
• Regularly interface with Oncology Disease Area leaders to align priorities and to effectively deploy resources.
• Collaborate closely with the Oncology Data Science AI team and other teams such as generative chemistry teams on the development and implementation of innovative machine learning algorithms, AI models and platforms to enable the delivery of predictive and prescriptive insights.
• Actively engage with stakeholders within partner functions, such as IT, Chemistry and Technology departments and build strong partnerships and shared projects.
• As a member of the Oncology Data Science Leadership team, contribute to Oncology Data Science overall direction and management, representing the low molecular weight portfolio as a function.
• Closely collaborate with Oncology Data Science engineering teams to ensure team adherence to data standards, data governance, and data strategy and ensure the application of best practices in analytics and high standards of reproducibility in research across the team.
• Play a leading role in matrix teams such as Translational Data Science Clusters around disease areas or teams centered around key technologies such as genomics, proteomics, spatial technologies etc.
• Present and externalize the work of the team in conferences, abstracts and scientific journals.

Essential Requirements

• This position will be located at the Cambridge, MA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. This position will require 10% travel as defined by the business (domestic and/or international).
• Ph.D. in data science, computational biology or related fields, strong scientific mindset, with a deep understanding of biology, oncology and low molecular weight drug development process.
• 10+ years of experience in a data science role in oncology drug development.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with 5+ years of people management experience in the data science space.
• Experience with quality control (QC) and data analysis for common assays, such as bulk RNA‑seq, scRNA‑seq and/or chromatin‑based assays (ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, Hi‑C).
• Strong expertise in quantitative and computational biology approaches, general AI/ML and statistical modeling techniques and a proven track record of delivering data‑driven insights and solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex data insights and recommendations to cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proven history of contributions to the scientific community in the form of papers and/or conference presentations.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with AI/ML approaches specific to the low molecular weight field including computational chemistry and application of generative AI in chemistry.
• Experience with cell line profiling, shRNA or CRISPR perturbation screens, high‑content cell imaging, proteomics or in‑vivo efficacy analysis.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $194,600 and $361,400 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range 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. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

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

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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.