Associate Director and Senior Principal, AI Methods, AI for Research (AI4R)

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks an Associate Director or Senior Principal in AI Methods for Research to lead machine learning initiatives in drug discovery within a hybrid role based in Basel.

This position focuses on guiding matrixed teams to create and implement scalable machine learning solutions that advance drug discovery. The role serves as a key expert on cutting-edge machine learning techniques across various research areas, driving innovation and strategic collaborations to accelerate therapeutic development.

Responsibilities

• Direct cross-functional teams to develop and deploy reliable, scalable machine learning systems for drug discovery.
• Spearhead the creation of essential machine learning capabilities for priority AI applications in biomedical research.
• Spot opportunities for methodological advancements throughout the entire drug discovery process.
• Develop sophisticated algorithms, models, and workflows to speed up therapeutic discovery and development.
• Foster and manage strategic partnerships with top academic institutions and external research organizations.
• Serve as a go-to expert on the latest machine learning methodologies across different research fields.
• Convert complex model results into actionable scientific hypotheses and guide experimental design.
• Establish and oversee meaningful success metrics for AI models to ensure measurable research impact.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to align AI solutions with scientific and business objectives.
• Promote awareness and adoption of advanced AI methods within the broader research organization.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of experience in developing and deploying machine learning solutions across drug discovery domains.
• Hands-on expertise applying machine learning to target identification, protein modelling, or translational research.
• Strong experience with large-scale model training, high performance computing, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Advanced knowledge of modern machine learning methods such as representation learning or neural network architectures.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks, with strong software development and version control practices.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and deliver impactful machine learning solutions in complex, matrixed environments.

Nice to have

• Demonstrated contributions through publications, patents, or open-source projects in advanced machine learning research.
• Experience with multimodal or foundation models applied to biomedical data such as imaging, genomics, or molecular structures.

What the company offers

• Competitive benefits in kind including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible.
• A minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG is dedicated to reimagining medicine together, fostering a collaborative environment focused on advancing healthcare through innovative research and development.

• Committed to reimagining medicine together.