Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research

Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research

Location: Basel

Summary

The Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research will be responsible for directing and implementing the strategic roadmap and impact of Data Science & AI efforts related to early clinical development trials. This role acts as the integrator addressing key scientific questions, data‑science methodologies, and operational execution to ensure delivery of high‑value, decision‑enabling AI solutions for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Research.

The role integrates and converts complex scientific/clinical needs into coherent, realistic, and trackable strategies that incorporate data science solutions, operational execution, KPIs, ROI assessments, and value frameworks to show how the implementation of AI can improve scientific understanding, trial design, and development decisions.

• Serve as the bridge between scientific leaders and data‑science teams to decipher and articulate key scientific questions into actionable AI use‑cases.
• 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 endorsed use cases, build an actionable delivery plan and oversee delivery and assessment in partnership with the clinical team.
• Oversee development of the   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.

• 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.

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 inclu and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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