Global Head Digital, Informatics and AI (DIAI)

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.
A new role, Global Head of Digital, Information and Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research (BR), has been established to spearhead our digital, information technology and AI initiatives in drug discovery and early clinical development ensuring our digital strategy, technologies, skills, and culture are aligned with our objectives while promoting unity and cooperation with key internal and external partners.

This role will involve the leadership and management of around 300+ associates across the globe (including teams in US, Switzerland, Ireland and India) responsible for BR Informatics (RX) and AICS (AI & Computational Sciences) with significant budget responsibilities. RX is responsible for all research IT systems across BR including digital products and software solutions for drug discovery research. RX and AICS partner with drug discovery teams and ensures that BR science keeps up with the rapidly evolving ecosystem of digital and AI technologies by connecting with leaders in academia and industry.

The leader will be a member of BR’s Computational Sciences Council (CSC) and a matrixed member of the Data, Digital, and IT (DDIT) leadership team. It will also represent BR in the governance and strategy setting of AI across Novartis. The role reports into the Chief Data & Digital Officer, BR and will work closely with the Data 42 team.

Job Description

AI & computational science leadership:

• Leading and significantly contributing to the creation of a global digital strategy for BR’s AI-driven drug discovery using Data Science, (Gen) AI, and ML.
• Provide strategic input and vision to the Head of Research, scientific leadership and Novartis AI strategies. Acts as a recognized advisor to top management.
• Create and oversee a substantial AI/ML program portfolio within BR projects and establish a governance model to prioritize AI focus areas in drug discovery.
• Direct AI contributions to support BR’s drug discovery portfolio, enhance discovery speeds, cut down cycle times, and boost productivity
• Identifying and leading strategic external AI collaborations, providing strategic insights to the Head of Research and Novartis executive teams and contributing to Novartis AI strategies.

Research Informatics & Data Management leadership:

• Lead BR’s data & AI strategy with partners such as Data 42, embedded Data Science teams & DDIT, managing the data ecosystem, setting and enforcing data standards at the point of data capture and offering data management & analysis services. Be a key member of the Novartis data communities, fostering internal and external collaborations.
• Deliver top-tier research informatics to expedite the discovery of new treatments using data & digital technology and enhance the user experience of our researchers.
• Ensure the evolution of BR’s technology capabilities, underlying architecture, drive make or buy decisions for software products and architecture in close alignment with DDIT to deliver harmonized, scalable, end-to-end approaches across projects
• Taking part in key strategic cross-divisional data and digital projects and initiatives to ensure seamless compatibility of data systems and solutions across the Novartis Research- Development and Commercial units
• Collaborate closely with Novartis DDIT and the BR Data Science community to devise and execute a digital strategy for BR and manage relationships with vendors and partners.
• Consistently engaging with senior Disease area and platform leaders, initiating significant collaborations within BR.

Organizational & people leadership:

• Build capabilities for developing suitable and advanced scientific applications, update BR’s software portfolio, optimize costs, and facilitate better science on a modern data framework.
• Grow a diverse, inclusive, high-performing leadership team and instill a collaborative, enterprise mindset
• Exemplifying leadership that encourages curiosity, inspiration, and an emphasis on innovation and teamwork

Education:

• PhD or master’s degree in computer or data science, AI, Machine learning or related relevant discipline

Experience:

• 15yrs of experience in data science, AI, Machine Learning or research informatics with deep practical & demonstrated understanding of advanced analytics methodologies applied to drug discovery and development within the Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry
• Leadership of enterprise-wide AI/ML programmatic strategy & execution
• Leadership of multidisciplinary, global team with the ability to successfully operate in a matrixed and fast changing environment.
• Proven track record in achieving scientific business outcomes
• Ability to manage a complex portfolio working with stakeholders and business partners to prioritize resources to meet business needs.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve

Skills Desired
Agile (Programming Methodology), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cluster Analysis, Computer Science, Data Engineering, Data Governance, Data Literacy, Data Management, Data Quality, Data Science, Data Strategy, Data Visualization, Deep Learning, Machine Learning (Ml), Machine Learning Algorithms, Master Data Management, Mentorship, Nlp (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) And Genai, Statistical Modeling, Time Series Analysis, Visualization