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, target="_blank">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