Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research

Band Level 6 Job Description Summary #LI-Hybrid Location: Cambridge The Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research will be responsible for directing and implementing the strategic roadmap and impact of Data Science & AI efforts related to early clinical development trials. This role acts as the integrator addressing key scientific questions, data‑science methodologies, and operational execution to ensure delivery of high‑value, decision‑enabling AI solutions for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Research. This role integrates and converts complex scientific/clinical needs into coherent, realistic, and trackable strategies that incorporate data science solutions, operational execution, KPIs, ROI assessments, and value frameworks to show how the implementation of AI can improve scientific understanding, trial design, and development decisions. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Scientific–Technical Integration: Serve as the bridge between scientific leaders and data‑science teams to decipher and articulate key scientific questions into actionable AI use-cases. Use‑Case Delivery & Scale: Identify and shape high‑value AI use cases in early clinical development to bring forward for prioritization. Support governance and decision-making processes by preparing content, facilitating meetings, and communicating the proposals to stakeholder audiences. For use cases that are endorsed, work together with clinical teams to build an actionable delivery plan and oversee delivery and assessment in partnership with the team. Oversee development of the BR Clinical Design Lab to enable scaled and process optimized implementation of data driven and AI solutions to all clinical teams approaching tollgates and governance. Define, develop and track impact measurements and KPIs to enable quantification of value of the work, both at trial and program level. In collaboration with partners in Data & Digital, Data Science teams, and enterprise partners, actively assess the data landscape that supports clinical development AI work and enable fit-for-purpose data availability. Evaluate AI startups and technology vendors to access cutting edge methodologies and recommend strategic partnerships or collaborations that accelerate AI capability development Promote awareness, adoption, and change management for AI-driven processes and foster understanding organization-wide. Demonstrate internal and external presence that brings recognition of Novartis as a leader and innovator in Data Science and AI. Serve as a strategic thought partner to clinical leadership teams in Biomedical Research and Novartis, providing insights and advice on AI enablement, scientific value, and emerging trends. Essential Requirements: Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MSc) in relevant scientific fields. PhD or equivalent experience in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field desirable Excellent English required (oral & written) Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical settings combined with Data Science projects Demonstratable track record of delivering global solutions at scale in healthcare settings, with a strong preference for experience in the drug development space. Experience integrating scientific, data‑science, and operational perspectives in R&D. Experience in defining KPI and ROI frameworks Proven experience developing and implementing digital or AI strategy in a complex, matrixed organization, ideally within life sciences or pharmaceutical R&D. Strong understanding of AI/ML methodologies in biomedical contexts Up-to-date knowledge of digital, AI, and data science trends, applied to Pharma or Healthcare, including expertise in aligning internal capabilities with evolving external landscapes. Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills with the ability to drive organizational change and foster collaboration. Strategic thinker with the ability to see the "big picture", translating complex strategies into concrete actions and measurable impact. The salary for this position is expected to range between $176,400 and $327,600 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here. EEO Statement: 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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential. Accessibility and reasonable accommodations The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. Salary Range $176,400.00 - $327,600.00 Skills Desired Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, People Management, Program Management, Regulatory Compliance, Resource Management (Organizational), Risk Management Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives. Novartis is aware of employment scams which make false use of our company name or leader’s names or recruiter’s names to defraud job seekers. Novartis does not make job offers without interview and never asks candidates for money. If you have encountered a job posting or been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond, send money or personal information. 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