Director / Directress, Group Head, Applied AI

Job ID: REQ-10079914

Date: Jun 04, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Summary

Job Title: Director & Group Head (Applied AI)

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Relocation Support: This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Novartis is on an ambitious journey of digital transformation aimed at establishing itself as an industry leader. Our mission is to harness the power of digital technologies to innovate drug discovery and development. By leveraging both internal and external R&D data, along with data science, predictive models, generative AI, and machine learning, we seek to identify new targets, create more effective therapeutic molecules, and enhance drug pharmacokinetics and safety predictions. Our AI4R team spearheads initiatives to explore and implement advanced AI and ML methodologies, improving efficiency in drug discovery while remaining attuned to patient needs.

AI4R collaborates with drug discovery teams, elevating AI expertise across Biomedical Research (BR) and ensuring that BR science keeps pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies. This leadership position within the Applied AI group is vital for providing robust technical guidance and aligning with biomedical experts to explore machine learning opportunities that can significantly impact drug development.

About the Role

Step into a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of scientific innovation and artificial intelligence. As the Director & Group Head (Applied AI), you will drive the implementation of advanced machine learning strategies to accelerate drug discovery. Your expertise will translate complex data into actionable insights that can revolutionize patient outcomes. You will lead impactful collaborations, set strategic AI directions across research domains, and empower your teams to push the boundaries of medical advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the applied artificial intelligence strategy and multi-year roadmap across drug discovery research.
• Align priorities with portfolio needs and measurable business and research impact.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in identifying, prototyping, benchmarking, and deploying tailored artificial intelligence solutions.
• Govern an applied artificial intelligence portfolio with clear intake, prioritization, resourcing, delivery oversight, and success metrics.
• Establish best practices for problem framing, data readiness, benchmarking, evaluation design, and reproducible model development.
• Drive benchmarking of foundational and task-specific models, enabling transparent trade-offs and informed adoption decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to scale solutions and integrate them into scientific decision-making processes.
• Define rigorous evaluation metrics linking model performance to downstream decisions and experimental outcomes.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, rapid iteration, mentorship, and practical impact within teams.
• Forge strategic academic and industry collaborations to enhance innovation, benchmarking, and technology transfer.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive experience in leading machine learning initiatives within drug discovery teams.
• Proven track record with foundation model benchmarking in drug discovery contexts.
• Hands-on experience using machine learning for target identification and computational chemistry.
• Strong background in large-scale model training, distributed computation, and deployment within ML operations frameworks.
• Passionate about biomedical sciences and therapeutic discovery; ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Minimum of 12+ years of experience in developing, deploying, and supporting machine learning and modeling solutions.
• Proficient in Python and deep learning frameworks, with experience in version control systems like Git.
• Ability to navigate complexity, manage priorities, and drive results effectively within matrixed environments.

Desirable Requirements

• Publications, patents, or contributions that showcase machine learning innovation and expertise.
• Strong curiosity for emerging technologies and a pragmatic approach to solving real-world business challenges.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is dedicated to fostering an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams that reflect the communities and patients we serve.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to working alongside all individuals and providing reasonable accommodations. If you require assistance due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, please contact us at inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and include the nature of your request along with your contact details. Please reference the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis

Helping individuals with diseases and their families involves more than innovative science; it requires a community of intelligent, passionate people like you. Together, we can achieve groundbreaking breakthroughs that enhance patients' lives. Join us in shaping a brighter future.

Benefits and Rewards

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Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.