Senior Principal Data Scientist

Novartis; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 298,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in the United States, based in San Diego, seeks a Senior Principal Data Scientist to lead strategic data initiatives across the Biologics Research Center. You will translate complex scientific questions into actionable data solutions, partnering with scientific, digital, and operations teams to accelerate discoveries and improve patient outcomes.

You will drive adoption of the BR Data Strategy, governance, and enterprise platforms, and influence stakeholders without direct managerial

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MSc in Life Sciences, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D experience across scientific, data, and digital functions.
• Strong understanding of scientific data management, data governance, and research data ecosystems.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business challenges into solutions that deliver measurable impact.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted partnerships with scientific, operational, and digital stakeholders across the global research organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to US stakeholders, aligning data and digital opportunities with strategic priorities.
• Drive adoption and governance of the BR Data Strategy and data/digital capabilities.
• Lead business analysis, requirements gathering, and discovery for scientific data initiatives.
• Translate scientific workflows and business requirements into scalable data solutions.
• Lead cross-functional, matrix-driven initiatives across global teams.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Ph.D. or MSc in Life Sciences, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or related field

Tools

SQL

Python

R

AI/Automation tools

Job description

Summary

At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine through data, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation. As a Senior Principal Data Scientist, you will play a critical leadership role in transforming complex scientific and business challenges into actionable insights that accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes.

Join the Biologics Research Center (BRC) as part of the Data Management & Software Engineering group. BRC develops innovative therapies and advances technologies that enable them across a broad range of disease areas, including complex biologics and genetic medicines such as siRNA, and cell and gene therapies.

You will serve as the US-based strategic partner to scientific and digital stakeholders across the BRC organization and play a key role in strengthening collaboration, alignment, and knowledge sharing across global research teams. You will help drive the adoption of the Biomedical Research (BR) Data Strategy, advance scientific data governance, and enable consistent implementation of data and digital initiatives across research sites. Working within a highly matrixed environment, you will translate scientific and business needs into actionable strategies, foster stakeholder alignment, and accelerate the realization of value from scientific data, digital platforms, analytics, and AI-enabled research capabilities. This role combines strong communication skills with strategic leadership, enabling Novartis to unlock the full value of enterprise data and accelerate breakthrough discoveries for patients worldwide.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusted partnerships with scientific, operational, and digital stakeholders across the global research organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to US stakeholders, helping shape data and digital opportunities in alignment with business objectives and strategic priorities.
• Drive adoption, stakeholder alignment, and successful implementation of the BR Data Strategy, associated governance frameworks, and supporting data and digital capabilities in alignment with the Complex Modalities Data Domain.
• Lead business analysis, requirements gathering, and discovery activities for scientific data and digital initiatives by translating scientific workflows, business requirements, and strategic objectives into scalable solutions.
• Drive adoption of enterprise platforms, data products, and digital capabilities, with a focus on enabling efficient data capture, data visualization, and automated data flows.
• Lead and co-lead cross-functional and global initiatives through matrix leadership and stakeholder influence, without direct managerial authority.

Essential Requirements

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.Sc.) in Life Sciences, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience within pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D, including experience working across scientific, data, and digital functions.
• Strong understanding of scientific data management, data governance, and research data ecosystems.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business challenges into solutions that deliver measurable impact and drive strategic outcomes.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and influencing skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with scientific data platforms, data products, and research data ecosystems.
• Working knowledge of coding languages commonly used in scientific data workflows (e.g., SQL, Python, R) and familiarity with AI-assisted development, automation, and agent-based solutions.
• Advanced expertise in FAIR principles, metadata standards, and enterprise data platforms
• Knowledge of data governance frameworks, metadata management, and data quality practices within a pharmaceutical R&D environment.
• Experience leading teams or large enterprise initiatives.

Why Novartis

Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science, technology, and digital capabilities to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. Together, we discover, develop, and deliver breakthrough treatments that reach millions of patients worldwide.

Join us and help transform data into insights, insights into innovation, and innovation into better outcomes for patients.

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

The salary for this position is expected to range between $160,300 to $297,700 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and market considerations consistent with Novartis pay practices.

Your compensation may include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and disability coverage, a 401(k) with company contributions and matching, and a broad range of additional benefits. Employees are also eligible for a generous time-off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leave programs. Benefits and rewards may vary based on employment status and location.

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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.