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   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   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.

Internal job title: Director Data & Digital Strategy  

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.

• 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…