Head Clinical AI Strategy - Translational Research

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 clickhere.

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 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