Senior Expert Data Scientist, Human Genetics

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Cambridge is seeking a highly driven computational scientist to apply human genetics and genomic data science in CVM research. You will work with geneticists and computational biologists to translate sequencing data into actionable insights for target discovery and patient stratification.

The role emphasizes collaboration, development of reproducible workflows, and effective communication of results within cross-functional teams to advance precision medicine in cardiovascular and

Qualifications

• PhD with 2–3+ years in human genetics or related field.
• Experience analyzing whole exome/genome sequencing data.
• Programming in Python or R; Linux/Unix proficiency.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret sequencing data to identify variants and pathways.
• Apply statistical genetics methods for association and burden testing.
• Support target discovery using human genetic evidence.
• Contribute to patient selection and stratification strategies.
• Integrate genomic data with multi-omic sources for insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate results.
• Develop reproducible analytical workflows and best practices.
• Present findings via reports, talks, and manuscripts.
• Stay updated on advances in genetics and computational methods.

Skills

Python

R

Genetics

Statistics

Bioinformatics

Linux

Git

Data analysis

Education

PhD

MS

Tools

Git

Job description

Job Description Summary

#LI-OnSite

Location: Cambridge

This position is located in Cambridge, MA and does not have the ability to be located remotely. Please only apply if this area is accessible to you.

We are seeking a highly motivated computational scientist to join the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease (CVM) research organization at Biomedical Research (BR) in Cambridge, MA. In this role, you will apply human genetics, statistical genetics, and genomic data science to support new therapeutic target discovery and patient selection strategies across CVM diseases.

The successful candidate will work closely with geneticists, computational biologists, disease-area scientists, translational researchers, and clinical development colleagues to generate actionable insights from human genetic and genomic data. This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative drug discovery programs and help advance genetically informed approaches to precision medicine.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret whole exome/genome sequencing data to identify genetic variants, genes, and biological pathways associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
• Develop and apply statistical genetics and bioinformatics methods for variant annotation, association analysis, burden testing, rare-variant analysis, causal inference, and gene prioritization.
• Support the identification, evaluation, and validation of novel therapeutic targets using human genetic evidence and complementary genomic data sources.
• Contribute to patient selection and stratification strategies for research and clinical programs, including the identification of genetically defined patient subgroups.
• Integrate human genetics results with transcriptomic, proteomic, functional genomics, clinical, and other relevant data to develop disease and target insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to define analytical strategies, interpret findings, and translate results into clear scientific recommendations.
• Develop reproducible, well-documented analytical workflows and contribute to best practices for genomic data analysis.
• Communicate results through presentations, written reports, scientific manuscripts, and internal project updates.
• Stay current with advances in human genetics, statistical genetics, genomic medicine, and computational methods relevant to drug discovery and development.

Essential Requirements

• PhD with 2-3+ years or MS with 6+ years of industry experience in human genetics, statistical genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing whole exome/genome sequencing data, including variant quality control, annotation, filtering, association testing, and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of human genetics and statistical genetics principles, including rare-variant analysis and genotype-phenotype associations.
• Familiarity with genome-wide association studies, phenome-wide association studies, polygenic risk scores, Mendelian randomization, or functional genomics.
• Experience integrating genomic data with clinical, molecular, or multi-omic datasets.
• Programming and data analysis expertise in Python or R, along with proficiency in Linux or Unix-based computing environments.
• Knowledge of workflow management systems (Git), collaborative coding, and reproducible research practices.
• Ability to work with large-scale genomic datasets and use appropriate statistical and computational methods to derive biologically meaningful conclusions.
• Strong scientific communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying human genetic evidence to target discovery, target validation, or drug development.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $126,000 and $234,000 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.

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 expres