Head of Data Governance, Anonymization and Quality

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks an Executive to lead data governance, anonymization, and quality for Biomedical Research. The role serves as Deputy EDO, driving strategy, compliance, and AI integration across the Data42 platform.

This executive position supports the Enterprise Data Officer and co-leads the Biomedical Research Governance Board. The role focuses on steering data governance, decision-making, and quality standards across the Data42 platform, which unites clinical, research, and real-world data to advance medicine discovery.

Responsibilities

• Establish and enforce data governance policies and standards for Biomedical Research to maintain consistency, integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Work with the Head of Data and Platform teams to integrate governance principles into technical solutions, including implementing 'data governance as code'.
• Oversee the anonymization of patient-level data to facilitate compliant secondary research on the Data42 platform.
• Collaborate with the Head of Data on enterprise data management initiatives.
• Align Biomedical Research data strategy execution with business goals and governance requirements.
• Monitor and enhance data governance and quality practices, ensuring accountability and measurable results.
• Maintain audit readiness through robust controls, documentation, and compliance processes.
• Act as Deputy Enterprise Data Officer, providing leadership and continuity in data governance oversight.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in Data Governance or related fields, with a strong interest in AI governance and application.
• PhD or MSc in Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Experience in drug discovery or life sciences, with an understanding of data-driven research environments and familiarity with clinical and real-world data.
• Advanced knowledge in bioinformatics, computer science, or related quantitative disciplines.
• Solid understanding and practical application of AI in business and scientific contexts, with expertise in data analysis, data science, and deriving actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Proven leadership experience, with a track record of leading and developing high-performing global teams.
• Extensive experience in defining and delivering enterprise data strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Track record of driving innovation and embedding new technologies or data-driven approaches at scale.
• Ability to excel in fast-paced environments, with a strong focus on execution and delivering results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Strong enterprise thinking mindset, particularly with Data Privacy and Enterprise Data Management stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Scientific background.
• Cybersecurity interest or experience related to data security.
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG aims to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives, striving to become the most valued and trusted medicines company globally. The company's associates are central to driving daily progress toward these ambitions.

• Purpose-driven mission to reimagine medicine for improved and extended lives.
• Vision to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world.
• Associates are recognized as the key drivers of daily progress and ambition achievement.