Head of Phenomics

Summary

Location:

Basel, Switzerland. Hybrid: 3 days/week in office. Internal job title:
Head of Phenomics.

The Head of Phenomics will lead strategy and execution for phenomics initiatives that integrate Data
42-enabled real world data and human genetics to accelerate target identification, patient stratification, and translational evidence generation across the Novartis portfolio. This leader will build high-impact partnerships across research, development, and   Data & Digital, delivering scalable analytics products, robust scientific insights, and measurable decision impact.

• Set phenomics strategy leveraging Data
  42 capabilities to connect real world data and human genetics to clinical phenotypes to support therapeutic area programs across Drug Development stages. Defines where and how human genetics and RWD are most impactful across the portfolio.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, statisticians, computational biologists, data engineers to deliver end-to-end analyses from question framing to validated outputs.
• Develop and operationalize pipelines for phenotype curation, cohort construction, feature engineering, and multimodal modeling across structured and unstructured real world data sources.
• Integrate human genetics evidence (e.g., GWAS, rare variant analyses, PRS, eQTL and colocalization where applicable) with real world phenotyping to support target discovery and prioritization, causal inference and mechanistic hypotheses, biomarker discovery and patient segmentation, repurposing and indication expansion opportunities.
• Drive cross-functional decision support by translating analytic results into clear program recommendations, assumptions, limitations, and impact on go/no-go decisions.
• Partner within Data
  42 to define requirements for data assets, metadata, governance, and scalable compute and tooling; influence roadmap based on scientific needs.
• Ensure scientific rigor and reproducibility through strong study design, validation approaches, documentation, and standards for analytic code and model lifecycle management.
• Champion responsible use of data and AI aligned with privacy, compliance, and ethical expectations; contribute to governance forums and risk reviews as needed.
• External engagement and scientific leadership including collaborations, publications, conference presentations, and thought leadership in phenomics, real world evidence, and genetics.
• Talent development through hiring, mentoring, performance management, and building an inclusive culture that values scientific excellence and collaboration in a global team.

• Education:
  
  PhD or MSc in Statistical Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years (or equivalent) in human genetics, real world data analytics, phenomics, translational data science, or related domains, including people leadership.
• Genetics experience: variant annotation and QC concepts; association testing frameworks; integrating functional genomics evidence; interpretation of genetic effect sizes in clinical context.
• Demonstrated experience applying human genetics to translational questions (target validation, causal inference, biomarker discovery, patient stratification).
• Strong hands‑on familiarity with real world data (claims, EHR, registries, lab, imaging‑derived variables, clinical notes‑derived phenotypes) and the biases/limitations inherent to observational data.
• Proven track record building scalable analytics and delivering decision‑impacting insights in a matrixed R&D environment.
• Strong quantitative toolkit: experience in statistical modelling, machine learning, study design, confounding control, validation, and sensitivity analyses (method selection appropriate to question).
• Excellent communication and exceptional ability to manage stakeholders and influence decision‑making at the executive level.
• Business acumen and a focus on value creation, ensuring technology serves as a lever for business growth.

We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together – and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 146,300 to 271,700 CHF. Base salary is determined based on gender‑neutral objectives and is reviewed periodically upon joining Novartis. In addition to base salary, you may be eligible for performance‑based bonuses, long‑term equity awards granted at group level, and a variety of competitive benefits including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.

Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave are also available.