Scientific AI Platform Expert, Disease Area X

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Scientific AI Platform Expert to lead enterprise-scale AI analysis platforms for accelerating drug discovery.

You will partner on multidisciplinary teams, operationalize AI solutions, and shape the DAx AI data strategy while collaborating with IT teams. The role reports to the Head of Data Science, DAx, and is based in Cambridge with hybrid work.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, CS/engineering, mathematics, physics, or related discipline, with 3+ years hands-on experience in scientific data science or engineering.
• Experience building and operating production-grade multimodal data platforms for scientific analysis.
• Experience with omics analysis pipelines (genomics, transcriptomics), MCP, LLM patterns, biological foundational models, agent orchestration, and DL frameworks (PyTorch).
• Familiarity with agentic frameworks (Claude Science, Biomni, Gemini) and open-source co-scientist platforms.
• Deep practical experience in software or data engineering (agile), including Python, SQL, version control, testing, workflow orchestration, cloud platforms, and data lakes (Snowflake, Databricks, Palantir Foundry, AWS).

Responsibilities

• Translate scientific and operational AI needs into impactful, decision-enabling solutions.
• Build scalable AI-focused omics pipelines, APIs, and data products.
• Scale AI workflows with reproducible, secure data practices.
• Prioritize resources against evolving research needs.
• Contribute to project evaluation, deployment, lifecycle, and governance.
• Assist onboarding of external vendors and service providers.
• Present results through publications, posters, and technical docs.

Skills

AI/ML

Python

SQL

Cloud services

Data pipelines

Education

BS or MS in AI/ML / CS

PhD candidates considered

Tools

Python

SQL

Snowflake

Databricks

Palantir Foundry

AWS

Job description

Band Level 3 Job Description Summary

The Scientific AI Platform Expert will join the Disease Area X (DAx) Data Science team at Novartis to build enterprise-grade, AI analysis platforms and data products to accelerate drug discovery. This role will lead and partner on multidisciplinary project teams, operationalize generative and agentic AI solutions, contribute to shaping DAx AI data strategy, and collaborate with enterprise IT teams. This role reports to the Head of Data Science, DAx.

Job Description Internal job title: Expert I/II, Data Science Position Location: Cambridge, MA, Hybrid ** This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Job description Summary: The Scientific AI Platform Expert will join the Disease Area X (DAx) Data Science team at Novartis to build enterprise-grade, AI analysis platforms and data products to accelerate drug discovery. This role will lead and partner on multidisciplinary project teams, operationalize generative and agentic AI solutions, shape DAx AI data strategy, and collaborate with enterprise IT teams. This role reports to the Head of Data Science, DAx.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate scientific and operational AI needs into impactful, decision-enabling solutions.


• Hands‐on design, build, and sustain scalable AI-focused omics pipelines, APIs, and integrated data products.


• Scale AI workflows using reproducible, transparent, secure, and FAIR data practices.


• Prioritize resources against evolving research needs.


• Provide input to the team on project evaluation, deployment, lifecycle, and governance practices.


• Assist as needed with the onboarding of external vendors and service providers.


• Effectively provide input to the team on strategy, implementation details and results through internal and external presentations, posters, publications, and technical documentation.

Essential Requirements

• BS or MS in AI/ML, data science/engineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science/engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline, with 3+ years of hands‑on experience in scientific data science or engineering, AI/ML, computational research within the biopharma and/or technology industry. We will also consider qualified recent PhD graduates (within last 2 years).


• Experience building and operating production‑grade multimodal data platforms for scientific analysis: omics data, data modeling, patient metadata, lineage, access controls, and reproducible workflows.


• Experience with omics analysis pipelines (i.e. genomics, transcriptomics), MCP, LLM patterns, biological foundational models, agent orchestration, and deep learning frameworks (i.e. Pytorch) is preferred.


• Familiarity with current agentic frameworks such Claude Science, Biomni, Gemini or other open‑source co‑scientist platforms.


• Deep practical experience in software or data engineering (i.e. agile), including Python, SQL, version control, testing, workflow orchestration, cloud platforms, and data lakes (i.e. Snowflake, Databricks, Palantir Foundry, AWS).


• Strong communication, interpersonal, ethical, self‑awareness, and customer service skills.

Desired Requirements

• Demonstrated record of scientific or technical impact through publications, conference proceedings, open‑source contributions, patents, or deployed data products.


• Experience leading and supporting cross‑functionally across diverse science or engineering teams, influencing key stakeholders across a matrix organization.

Compensation & Benefits

• The salary for this position is expected to range between $103,600 and $192,400 USD annually for Expert I, Data Science, and $114,100 and $211,900 USD annually for Expert II, Data Science.


• 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.


• Salary Range $103,600.00 - $192,400.00

Skills Desired

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)


• Biostatistics


• Curious Mindset


• Data Governance


• Data Literacy


• Data Quality


• Data Science


• Data Visualization


• Generative AI


• Graph Algorithms


• Learning Agility


• Logistic Regression Models


• Machine Learning (ML)


• Machine Learning Algorithms


• Neuro‑Linguistic Programming (NLP)


• Pandas Python Library


• Python (Programming Language)


• R Programming


• Statistical Analysis


• Structured Query Language (SQL)


• Time Series Analysis

Company Culture

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science.

It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them.

It takes a team of people like you.

Working together.

Learning together.

Thriving together.

Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

China Cross‑Border Data Transfer Policy

In the context of China Cross‑Border Data Transfer (CBDT) policy, if you need to apply for a position in China, please go to the local Recruiting System TaleNov .

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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.