Business Operations Lead, Discovery Sciences

Band Level 3 Job Description Summary

The Discovery Sciences (DSc) department at Novartis Biomedical Research (BR) merges groundbreaking technical capabilities with deep scientific expertise to deliver bold innovations at the forefront of science. As a member of the DSc Operations Team, you will be a critical resource within the organization to manage business operations that enable the development of novel drug targets and new therapeutics. This Business Operations Lead role is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and does not offer relocation support;

please apply only if the location is accessible to you.

• Execute and optimize the financial plan in partnership with Finance and other support functions, including ordering and financial administration of the scientific strategy.
• Act as a key subject‑matter expert on the tools and processes that support the business of research operations.
• Resolve operational issues, providing an enabling force for DSc scientists to manage challenges related to financial data, vendor management, research collaborations, and people data.
• Utilize local and global support resources to remediate issues and advance upstream processes to prevent future problems.
• Deliver simplicity from complexity by designing reports and managing data to provide clean, accessible, and timely information to DSc leaders on budget, lab resources, people, and compliance.
• Proactively launch and lead initiatives that resolve operational data issues and deliver new processes or programs.
• Work effectively within an organizational matrix, coordinating with DSc researchers, the   Operations community, support functions, and third‑party vendors.
• Manage the planning, ordering, delivery, and realization of laboratory technologies, including complex, integrated equipment systems.
• Lead projects and design operational programs that support department priorities, coordinating cross‑functionally with user groups and support functions.

• B.S. or M.S. degree in a scientific or management discipline with 3+ years in a business or lab operations capacity, or 5+ years working in a biology or chemistry research environment with operational accountabilities.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a love for tackling complex challenges.
• Excellent collaboration and organizational skills with proven attentiveness to detail.
• Solution‑oriented mindset with independent discretion and judgment to prioritize effectively in a global, highly matrixed environment.
• User‑oriented mentality and experience supporting others, with a track record of building relationships and engaging associates.
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise‑level accounting, procurement, and collaboration software.
• Project management experience and operational excellence skills, including design‑thinking capability and a history of positively impacting project goals.

• Demonstrated ability to optimize business processes using AI tools.
• Creativity in operational tasks and a willingness to bring new ideas to the role.

Salary range: $85,400 – $158,600 per year. Final offer based on relevant skills and experience and reviewed periodically. Salary includes performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level, eligibility for annual equity awards. Eligible U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, and a generous time‑off package (vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves).

The Novartis Group of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

The Novartis Group of Companies is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please email  or call  and indicate the nature of your request and your contact information. Include the job requisition number in your message.