Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research

Key Responsibilities:

• Scientific–Technical Integration: Serve as the bridge between scientific leaders and data‑science teams to decipher and articulate key scientific questions into actionable AI use-cases.
• Use‑Case Delivery & Scale: Identify and shape high‑value AI use cases in early clinical development to bring forward for prioritization.
• Support governance and decision-making processes by preparing content, facilitating meetings, and communicating the proposals to stakeholder audiences.
• For use cases that are endorsed, work together with clinical teams to build an actionable delivery plan and oversee delivery and assessment in partnership with the team.
• Oversee development of the BR Clinical Design Lab to enable scaled and process optimized implementation of data driven and AI solutions to all clinical teams approaching tollgates and governance.
• Define, develop and track impact measurements and KPIs to enable quantification of value of the work, both at trial and program level.
• In collaboration with partners in Data & Digital, Data Science teams, and enterprise partners, actively assess the data landscape that supports clinical development AI work and enable fit-for-purpose data availability.
• Evaluate AI startups and technology vendors to access cutting edge methodologies and recommend strategic partnerships or collaborations that accelerate AI capability development
• Promote awareness, adoption, and change management for AI-driven processes and foster understanding organization-wide.
• Demonstrate internal and external presence that brings recognition of Novartis as a leader and innovator in Data Science and AI.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to clinical leadership teams in Biomedical Research and Novartis, providing insights and advice on AI enablement, scientific value, and emerging trends.

Essential Requirements:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MSc) in relevant scientific fields. PhD or equivalent experience in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field desirable
•  Excellent English required (oral & written)
•  Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical settings combined with Data Science projects
• Demonstratable track record of delivering global solutions at scale in healthcare settings, with a strong preference for experience in the drug development space.
• Experience integrating scientific, data‑science, and operational perspectives in R&D. Experience in defining KPI and ROI frameworks
• Proven experience developing and implementing digital or AI strategy in a complex, matrixed organization, ideally within life sciences or pharmaceutical R&D. Strong understanding of AI/ML methodologies in biomedical contexts
• Up-to-date knowledge of digital, AI, and data science trends, applied to Pharma or Healthcare, including expertise in aligning internal capabilities with evolving external landscapes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills with the ability to drive organizational change and foster collaboration.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the "big picture", translating complex strategies into concrete actions and measurable impact.

Accessibility and Accommodation:

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.