Director, Data & Digital Strategy, Biomedical Research

Job Description Summary

This Director of Strategy will shape and drive the Data & Digital AI strategy for Novartis Biomedical Research (BR), ensuring alignment with Novartis’ global AI and Reimagining Work ambitions. The role is responsible for translating strategy into action by designing and leading high-impact strategic initiatives driven by the BR Data & Digital Office. This is a highly visible role, working closely with senior leadership at Novartis, at a time when AI is a top strategic priority—offering a unique opportunity to shape how Biomedical Research transforms the way work is done with AI.

The role partners closely with Data & Digital teams, the BR Computational Science Council, and key stakeholders across the biomedical research organization, (e.g., scientific research teams), to drive value delivery, maximize the impact of data and digital assets, and support informed investment decisions.

This role drives the development of Data Science and AI enablement strategy for Biomedical Research, contributing to the broader R&D AI agenda. It ensures the successful delivery of strategic initiatives that advance scientific innovation, while guiding resource prioritization to support the most impactful outcomes.

 

Job Description

Internal job title: Director Data & Digital Strategy BR

Location: Basel, CH, onsite     #Li-onsite

  

Are you ready to shape how AI transforms drug discovery?

At Novartis Biomedical Research, we are moving from experimentation with AI to real, measurable scientific impact at scale—from accelerating target discovery to enabling next-generation, AI-powered laboratories. As Director, Data & Digital Strategy, you will be at the center of this transformation.

In this role, you will define and drive the AI and Data strategy for Biomedical Research, translating bold ambitions into tangible outcomes. Working at the heart of the Data & Digital Office, you will design and lead high-impact strategic initiatives that unlock the full value of data, digital platforms, and advanced AI capabilities across the organization.

You will partner closely with leading scientists, the Computational Science Council, and Data & Digital teams to prioritize and scale breakthrough AI use cases—from generative chemistry and translational AI to next-generation “lab-in-the-loop” and self-driving lab approaches. These initiatives are not theoretical—they are enterprise-priority programs shaping the future of drug discovery.

Beyond strategy design, you will play a critical role in turning vision into execution:

• Orchestrating cross-functional programs that deliver measurable scientific and business impact

• Enabling sound, data-driven investment decisions

• Driving adoption of AI and new ways of working across the research organization

• Establishing governance, metrics, and tracking to ensure outcomes—not just activity

You will also help build the foundations for scale, ensuring data is AI‑ready, trusted, and reusable, and that AI capabilities are delivered through shared platforms and products—enabling productivity at enterprise level.

Working in close collaboration with AI Transformation leadership, you will contribute to shaping a cohesive, forward-looking AI strategy, aligned with Novartis’ global ambitions and the “Reimagining Work” agenda—embedding AI into the daily work of scientists and transforming how research is done.

This role is ideal for a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of science, data, and digital innovation, and who is motivated by translating cutting-edge AI into real-world impact for patients.

Key responsibilities:

• Help define and execute the AI & Digital strategy for Novartis Biomedical Research, ensuring alignment with senior leadership and key stakeholders.

• Develop, maintain, and communicate a comprehensive AI roadmap across the business unit.

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery and scaling of digital initiatives.

• Drive high-impact, strategic AI projects from concept through to execution, ensuring organizational objectives are met.

• Support governance and decision-making processes by preparing content, facilitating meetings, and implementing action items effectively.

• Promote awareness, adoption, and change management for AI-driven processes and foster understanding organization-wide.

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Data and Digital Leadership teams in Biomedical Research and Novartis, providing insights and advice on AI enablement, scientific value, and emerging trends.

Essential Requirements:

• Education: Master or PhD degree in scientific/technology/computational science/data science areas. MBA a plus.

• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in a multidisciplinary environment across the Pharma RDC continuum preferably in data science / strategy / BD&L / data science and AI.

• Proven experience developing and implementing digital or AI strategy in a complex, matrixed organization, within life sciences or pharmaceutical R&D. Consultancy experience a plus.

• Experience facilitating governance processes, preparing executive-level content, and supporting decision-making at senior leadership levels.

• Up-to-date knowledge of AI and Data Science trends, applied to Pharma or Healthcare, including expertise in aligning internal capabilities with evolving external landscapes.

• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional, multidisciplinary project teams, including forming, directing, and scaling initiatives from concept to delivery.

• Experience managing multiple projects, including budgets, resources, and timelines, with a track record of delivering on time and within budget.

• 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.

Desirable Requirements: 

Analytical Skill, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Development, Business Partners, Business Strategy, Change Management, Data Analytics, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Management Consulting, Senior Management, Strategic Planning

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 inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. 

 

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Development, Business Partners, Business Strategy, Change Management, Data Analytics, Finance, Go-To-Market Strategy, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Management Consulting, Strategic Planning