Director, PK Sciences Clinical Pharmacology Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life insurance

Disability benefits

401(k) match

Job summary

Novartis in Cambridge, MA seeks a PK Sciences representative to lead AI strategy for clinical pharmacology within PKS, driving AI-enabled solutions to accelerate PK/PD analyses and regulatory submissions. You will collaborate with ADME, M&S, and cross-functional teams to integrate AI into study design, dosing strategies and PK input for IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLA materials.

The role requires a Ph.D./Pharm.D. with 8–10 years in drug discovery or development, strong communication, and hands-on AI

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Pharm.D. in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism or related field.
• 8–10 years in drug discovery or development; 6+ years in lead ADME/DMPK/AI strategy roles.
• Strong PK/PD knowledge and regulatory sciences awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI strategy for clinical pharmacology within PKS.
• Collaborate with PKS sub-teams (ADME, BA, M&S) and cross-functional project teams.
• Identify high-value AI use cases to improve planning, analyses and decision quality.

Skills

AI Strategy

Cross-functional Leadership

PK/PD Expertise

Regulatory Interaction

Communication

Leadership

Education

Ph.D./Pharm.D. in relevant field

Job description

Summary

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

This position is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and will not have the ability to be located remotely.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PK Sciences representative to lead the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled strategies to transform the clinical pharmacology support of transformative new medicines. The successful candidate will offer insight into the development of AI-based applications to support strategic, scientific and operational leadership. They would focus on developing AI-based solutions to enhance the automation, innovation and acceleration of PKS/clinical pharmacology deliverables across the organization. Our unique organizational structure enables colleagues to work seamlessly in the translational and/or clinical space, offering opportunities for development and bench-to-bedside-to-bench translation.

Experience in late discovery into clinical development is preferred. The scope of the role potentially includes small molecules, biologics/therapeutic proteins, antibody drug-conjugates, radioligand therapies and/or cell therapies across major therapeutic areas in Novartis, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular renal metabolism, neuroscience, and global health.

This position drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Operations through PK science sub-teams to achieve a holistic and integrative perspective of the ADME/clinical pharmacology properties of candidates and drugs. Collaborates effectively with broader, cross disciplinary project teams to ensure PKS strategies are well integrated into project plans and scientific discussions.

About The Role

Lead the development and oversee implementation of AI strategy for clinical pharmacology within PKS.

Brings strong AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to further strategic, scientific and operational leadership in clinical pharmacology

Identifies, develops and implements high-value use cases where AI can materially improve clinical pharmacology planning, analyses and decision quality.

Represent the PK Sciences function in project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate

Proactively contributes to developing drug candidates across Research Development and Commercial continuum, providing expert pharmacokinetic / drug metabolism and clinical pharmacology input

Work with teams to use AI to accelerate and enhance the understanding of nonclinical and clinical PK/PD relationships and development dosing strategies and predictions

Champion the use of AI to accelerate and enhance the provision of , dosage, and PK/PD components of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to Health Authority questions

Drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), through PK science sub-teams.

Works in close collaboration with clinicians and clinical development colleagues to integrate PKS insights into study design, data interpretation, and project decision-making

Models the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, and authoring regulatory documents.

This role reports to a Therapeutic Area Unit head within PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research. PKS is a global organization situated within Translational Medicine (TM), the clinical research arm of Biomedical Research within Novartis. PK Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building on research advances to develop new therapies, bridging drug discovery and clinical application. PK Science is an enterprise-wide organization, working across both Biomedical Research and the Development organizations to advance the scientific knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical pharmacology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and oversee implementation of AI strategy for clinical pharmacology within PKS.
• Brings strong AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to further strategic, scientific and operational leadership in clinical pharmacology
• Identifies, develops and implements high-value use cases where AI can materially improve clinical pharmacology planning, analyses and decision quality.
• Represent the PK Sciences function in project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate
• Proactively contributes to developing drug candidates across Research Development and Commercial continuum, providing expert pharmacokinetic / drug metabolism and clinical pharmacology input
• Work with teams to use AI to accelerate and enhance the understanding of nonclinical and clinical PK/PD relationships and development dosing strategies and predictions
• Champion the use of AI to accelerate and enhance the provision of , dosage, and PK/PD components of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to Health Authority questions
• Drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), through PK science sub-teams.
• Works in close collaboration with clinicians and clinical development colleagues to integrate PKS insights into study design, data interpretation, and project decision-making
• Models the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, and authoring regulatory documents.

Essential Requirements

• Ph.D. / Pharm.D. with relevant experience in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in drug discovery and/or development in a relevant environment (academia, CRO, biotech or Pharma). 6+ years of experience preferably in a lead role overseeing ADME/DMPK project strategy in translational/clinical development, or in AI strategy.
• Extensive and in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics including, drug metabolism and PK/PD evaluation, experience in working in project teams (preferably global) as well as sound awareness of recent developments in drug development and regulatory sciences.
• Exposure to working in a cross-functional, matrixed, project-team environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Hands-on project experience with Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches and examples of applying AI to clinical pharmacology topics is a plus

Leadership / Novartis Behaviors in Action

• Delivers results through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on value and outcomes.
• Demonstrates an enterprise mindset and strong ownership by prioritizing resources and decisions for maximum Novartis and patient impact.
• Role models Novartis leadership behaviors through visible actions, continuous self reflection, and openness to feedback
• Builds trust through transparent communication, clear accountability, and consistent delivery against commitments.

Novartis Compensation Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $185,500 and $344,500 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.

U.S.-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.

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