Business Operations Lead, Discovery Sciences

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 which enable the development of novel drug targets and new therapeutics. We are seeking a hands‑on Business Operations Lead with a particular passion for data and knowledge management, eager to lead the execution of our business operations to support the dynamic operations of a large research department.

Internal

Job Title:

Business Operations Lead

Cambridge, MA, onsite

** This role is based in Cambridge, MA, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

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 which enable the development of novel drug targets and new therapeutics. We are seeking a hands‑on Business Operations Lead with a particular passion for data and knowledge management, eager to lead the execution of our business operations to support the dynamic operations of a large research department.

• Execute and optimize our financial plan: In partnership with Finance and other support functions, execute the ordering and financial administration of our scientific strategy. Act as a key subject matter expert in the tools and processes to execute the business of our research operations. Financial acumen will be required.
• Resolve issues. Be an enabling force in the support of DSc scientists to resolve operational challenges, manage issues and navigate complexity; especially when it comes to our financial data, vendor management, research collaborations, and people data. Rely on local and global support resources to remediate issues and advance our upstream processes to avoid issues in the first place.
• Deliver simplicity from complexity. Through report design and data management, enable DSc leaders with clean, accessible, and timely data related to their budget, lab resources, people and compliance to drive effective decision making in the organization. Proactively launch and lead initiatives to resolve any operational data issues and delivery new processes or programs.
• Effectively work within an organizational matrix. Establish and maintain relationships with DSc researchers and the   Operations community to ensure alignment and execution of departmental and   objectives. Operate within a matrix organization of support functions and third‑party vendors to provide effective support of DSc and   operations.
• Realize our technology strategy: Manage the planning, ordering, delivery, and realization of lab technologies including complex, integrated equipment systems.
• Support global departmental evolution: Proactively lead projects and design operational programs that support department priorities, including cross‑functional coordination 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.
• A love for problem solving! Strong collaboration and organizational skills along with a proven attentiveness to detail are required. Must be solution oriented with comfort to exercise independent discretion and judgment to solve problems and prioritize effectively in a global and highly matrixed environment.
• A user‑oriented mentality and experience supporting others - specifically motivated to enable all of our associates with a track record of building relationships and engaging others in work.
• Strong information…