Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality

Job Description Summary

Location:

Cambridge, USA. Requires hybrid, 3 days per week in office. No relocation support.

Data
42 is Novartis' enterprise data and AI platform, bringing together clinical, research, and real‑world data to power advanced analytics and accelerate the discovery and development of innovative medicines.

As part of the Data
42 leadership team, the Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality will establish and enforce frameworks, standards, and controls to ensure data and process integrity, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high‑quality, trusted information across the organization. The role focuses on anonymization of patient data to enable secondary research while safeguarding privacy and compliance requirements, and co‑leads the Biomedical Research Governance Board in partnership with the Head of Data / EDO.

• Define and implement data governance policies and standards for  , ensuring consistency, integrity, and compliance across the organization.
• Partner with the Head of Data and Platform to embed data governance principles into technology solutions, including data governance as code.
• Lead the anonymization of Novartis patient‑level data to enable compliant secondary research use on data
  42.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Data on enterprise data management (EDM) activities, including governance frameworks such as the   Data Governance Board charter.
• Play a key role in shaping and executing the   data strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and continuously improve data governance and data quality practices across  , driving accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure ongoing audit readiness by maintaining robust controls, documentation, and compliance processes.
• Serve as Deputy Enterprise Data Officer (EDO), providing leadership, guidance, and continuity in data governance and oversight activities.

• 15+ years of experience in Data Governance or related field, with strong interest in Governance and Application of AI.
• PhD or MSc in Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Experience in drug discovery and/or life sciences, with an understanding of data‑driven research environments and familiarity with clinical data and real‑world data, paired with advanced knowledge in bioinformatics, computer science, or related quantitative disciplines.
• Solid understanding and practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a business or scientific context, with proven expertise in data analysis, data science, and deriving actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Proven leadership experience, with a strong track record in leading and developing high‑performing global teams.
• Extensive experience in defining and delivering enterprise data strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Track record of driving innovation and embedding new technologies or data‑driven approaches at scale.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic environments and a strong execution mindset to drive outcomes and deliver results.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries and cross‑functionally, with a strong enterprise thinking mindset, particularly with Data Privacy and Enterprise Data Management (EDM) stakeholders, with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, and the ability to influence at senior leadership level.

• Scientific background would be an advantage.
• Cybersecurity interest or experience, related to data security.
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry.

$176,400 to $327,600 per year.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Employees also enjoy a generous time‑off package, including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

The Novartis Group of Companies are equal‑opportunity employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, 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 are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to us.reasonab or call  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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