Executive Director AI and Computational Sciences (AICS) Full-time

Job Description Summary
Novartis has embraced a bold strategy to drive a company-wide digital transformation. Our objective is to position Novartis as an industry leader by proactively adopting digital technologies that foster innovative approaches to hasten drug discovery and development. By utilizing both internal and external R&D data with the power of data science, predictive models, generative AI, and machine learning, our objective is to identify new targets, create more effective therapeutic molecules, better predict drug pharmacokinetics and safety risks, refine clinical trial design, and significantly shorten development cycles. The AICS team leads BR in exploring and applying advanced AI and ML methodologies to generate novel drug discovery insights, and to speed and improve drug discovery efficiency whilst focusing on patients needs.

AICS partners with drug discovery teams, raises the level of AI expertise across Biomedical Research (BR) and ensures that BR science keeps up with the rapidly evolving ecosystem of AI technologies by connecting with AI leaders in academia and industry.

This role supports the work to define BR’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy & execute on key priorities in collaboration with the AICS teams, BRs data science community and key stakeholders.

The incumbent will bring expertise, innovation and vision to the field of AI within Biomedical Research, attracting, retaining, empowering and developing top talent, building strong working relationships with diverse business stakeholders, and delivering drug discovery outcomes for BR.

The head of AICS is a member of the Research Informatics Leadership team (RXLT) and also of BR’s Computational Sciences Council (CSC).

Job Description

Purpose of the role

AI & computational science leadership:

• Build, implement and manage a cutting-edge and impactful portfolio of AI/ML related programs with BR drug discovery project teams and drug discovery platforms
• Contribute substantively to define and shape global strategy and vision for future direction of BR’s AI enabled drug discovery leveraging Data Science, AI and ML.
• Raise the level of AI expertise & capabilities across BR
• Help position AI-aided drug discovery contributions to deliver and support progress of BR’s portfolio, enable new kinds of therapeutic discoveries, shorten cycle times, and increase efficiency.
• Form a governance model and structure to ensure AICS focuses on the most valuable problems in drug discovery

Collaboration & partnership

• Regularly communicate, engage, align with AICS teams, broader data science community, senior scientists and DA and platform heads.
• Initiate and lead key high-value internal collaborations across BR.
• Help to identify, recommend, and evaluate external opportunities for strategic AI collaborations and engage in and/or lead resulting collaborations in academia and industry
• Provide subject matter expertise, input and vision to the field of AI across BR .

Organizational & people leadership

• Lead, develop, retain and inspire a global team of ca. 35 AI/ML & DS expert
• Role model a curious, inspired and empowering leadership style with a focus on collaboration and innovation
• Become a trusted and invaluable member of the BR and wider Novartis data science communities and foster strong collaborations within and across them.
• .Act as a mentor to Data Science and AI/ML experts.
• Lead or contribute to key data and digital projects and initiatives

What you’ll bring to the role:

• 10 years of significant experience in innovation, development, deployment and continuous support of Machine Learning tools and models
• Expertise in bringing advanced analytics insights and actions to a large Research organization & deep understanding of Drug development
• Well-developed and inspiring leader with ability to influence senior leadership & exceptional stakeholder management skills
• Passion for understanding emerging technologies with pragmatic insight into where those technologies can be integrated into business solutions
• Ability to balance requirements, manage expectations, and drive effective results using a proactive attitude towards identifying and resolving issues
• Tested capability to successfully lead teams and projects, often with tight time constraints
• Entrepreneurial spirit with can-do, pro-active attitude
• Experience in leading an innovative team in a global and multicultural environment building strong collaborative relationships with peer functions
• Well-developed, inspiring & empowering leader with ability to influence senior leadership & exceptional stakeholder management skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, stakeholder management and influencing skills and demonstrated track record of exceptional teamwork
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Recognized internally and externally by key stakeholders; in depth understanding of external environment and trends
• Ability to execute and prioritize well in a complex matrixed environment.
• Ability to manage to financial, operational, compliance and regulatory guidelines

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $245,600 and $368,400 per year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

You’ll Receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbookhttps://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers who are focused on building and advancing a culture of inclusion that values and celebrates individual differences, uniqueness, backgrounds and perspectives. 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. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the world around us and connects us to the patients, customers and communities we serve.

Accessibility and 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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range
$245,600.00 – $368,400.00

Skills Desired
Algorithms Development, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Culture Change, Data Analytics, Data Governance, Data Literacy, Data Management, Data Quality, Data Science, Data Strategy, High-Performance Computing, Information Architecture, Machine Learning (Ml), Master Data Management, Mentorship