Associate Director, AI Engineering Manager / Associate Director, AI Engineering Manageress

Job ID

REQ-10079687

June 22, 2026

Switzerland

Summary

As the Associate Director of Biomedical Research (BR) Data & Digital Software & Workflows AI Engineering Manager, you will lead a dynamic team of AI engineers—both internal and external—in delivering production-grade AI solutions aligned with organizational initiatives. Your focus will be on ensuring that these solutions are reliable, scalable, secure, and of the highest quality. Additionally, this role emphasizes strong execution discipline, modern Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) and AgentOps practices, and alignment with enterprise architecture, security, compliance, and AI governance. You will be instrumental in cultivating a high-performing team that consistently delivers measurable business value.

About the Role

Purpose of the Role

The Associate Director, BR Data & Digital Software & Workflows AI Engineering Manager will steer a team of talented AI engineers toward the development and delivery of initiative-aligned, production-grade AI solutions. This role is critical for ensuring adherence to best practices in engineering, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability.

Major Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of AI engineers by setting clear priorities, cultivating their skills, and maintaining excellence in delivering and sustaining AI solutions.
• Collaborate closely across BR Data & Digital and corporate functions to align AI engineering efforts with organizational objectives and timelines.
• Translate use-case, software, and initiative requirements into robust AI technical designs and implementation plans.
• Ensure effective and high-quality engineering delivery of AI solutions across time-bound initiatives, in alignment with enterprise platforms and compliance requirements.
• Oversee the deployment and lifecycle management of AI solutions, focusing on performance optimization and operational readiness.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, urgency, trust, and shared ownership.

What You Will Bring to the Role

You are passionate about inspiring and leading teams to reach their full potential. Your drive to innovate in scientific research through AI enhances the delivery of effective solutions. You excel in collaboration within complex life science environments and possess the following qualifications:

• Proven leadership skills with a track record of aligning teams and developing talent.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex AI concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship-building abilities across organizational boundaries.
• Expertise in architecting and implementing AI agents and models, with a focus on practical engineering practices.
• Experience with deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management of AI solutions, including performance optimization and governance.

Additionally, you are driven to foster cultures of empowerment, creativity, and innovation within the team.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all individuals. If you require assistance due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, please email inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com with your request and contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, we believe that addressing patient needs requires more than innovative science; it necessitates a community of smart, passionate individuals. We support and inspire each other to achieve breakthroughs that can change lives. Join us in creating a brighter future together. Learn more about our culture and strategy here.

Benefits and Rewards

Discover how we support your personal and professional growth. Read our comprehensive benefits handbook here.

Primary Location Salary Range

CHF 122,500.00 - CHF 227,500.00

Division

Biomedical Research

Business Unit

Research

Location

Switzerland

Site

Basel (City)

Company / Legal Entity

C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area

Research & Development

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Regular

Shift Work

No

Application Process

To express your interest in this role, please apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.