Global Clinical Operations AI Program Associate Director / Global Clinical Operations AI Program Associate Directoress

Job ID: REQ-10084128

Date: August 26, 2026

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Relocation Support: This role is based in Basel, Switzerland. This is a hybrid working role with an expectation of 12 days per month in the office.

About the Role

Help shape how AI creates measurable impacts across Clinical Operations. As the Global Clinical Operations AI Program Associate Director, you will drive the delivery of GCO's AI portfolio, transforming innovative ideas into scalable, compliant solutions that enhance team operations. In partnership with Clinical Operations, Development AI, Data, Digital and Information Technology, as well as business leaders, you will lead program execution, enable adoption, and accelerate the transition to an AI-enabled organization. This is an exceptional chance to meld clinical operations expertise, change leadership, and innovation delivery to translate AI concepts into real-world impacts.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, delivery, and reporting across the Global Clinical Operations AI portfolio.
• Monitor portfolio progress, dependencies, risks, and milestones to support effective decision-making.
• Deliver portfolio reporting and insights utilizing standardized key performance indicators and metrics.
• Collaborate with Product Owners and Platform Leads to maintain an integrated AI roadmap and solution landscape.
• Coordinate governance activities including intake, prioritization, risk assessment, compliance alignment, and approvals.
• Facilitate the adoption of self-service, low-code, and productivity-focused AI solutions across Clinical Operations.
• Lead change management, communications, training, and launch readiness activities for AI initiatives.
• Apply consistent program management practices, including value tracking, quality assurance, and benefits realization.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant business experience.
• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline is advantageous.
• Significant experience in program management, project management, digital delivery, or business transformation within complex global organizations.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and drive delivery across cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Clinical Operations or the ability to rapidly develop expertise in the clinical trial environment.
• Experience delivering innovation, transformation, or technology-enabled change that resulted in measurable business outcomes.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships and influence stakeholders across technical, operational, and compliance functions.
• Experience supporting digital or AI initiatives, including solution deployment, adoption, or process automation.
• Experience working within regulated environments and applying compliance requirements to operational delivery.
• Excellent communication, change management, and facilitation skills, with the ability to drive adoption of new ways of working.

Desirable Requirements

• Demonstrated personal use of AI beyond basic productivity applications, including experimentation with emerging tools or solutions.
• Experience supporting technology adoption, change, or process improvement within Clinical Operations or a related healthcare environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to help shape how AI is adopted across Global Clinical Operations, working at the intersection of innovation, transformation, and delivery. You will partner with leaders across the organization to turn AI opportunities into practical solutions that enhance productivity, support compliant operations, and accelerate the journey toward an AI-enabled Clinical Operations organization.

Rewards

At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together and rewarding those who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team far exceed base pay and incentives. We offer various competitive benefits to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, well-being resources, and global recognition programs. Additionally, we provide flexible and hybrid working options where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Compensation

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for this role: 129,500.00 - 240,500.00 CHF. The offered salary will be determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience. Pay equity is fundamental to our employment policy as we aim to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve. If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process due to a medical condition or disability, please reach out for assistance.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.