Senior Specialist Data Science, AI & Quantum

Novartis seeks a Senior Specialist in Data Science, AI & Quantum to drive innovation in drug discovery through quantum computing and advanced computational methods. The role focuses on exploring quantum applications to accelerate medicine development.

This position within the Scientific Innovation group of AI4R aims to pioneer the use of quantum computing and quantum-inspired techniques for high-value challenges in drug discovery and development. The role bridges innovation, biomedical research, and emerging technology, translating advanced methods into testable applications that accelerate how new medicines are discovered and developed.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-impact opportunities for quantum computing in drug discovery and development
• Evaluate quantum and hybrid approaches against established computational methods
• Design and execute scientifically rigorous proof-of-concept studies
• Apply quantum methods to molecular simulation, optimization, and generative design challenges
• Assess maturity, limitations, and practical applicability of quantum technologies
• Translate complex quantum concepts into clear scientific hypotheses and use cases
• Contribute to defining quantum computing strategy for Biomedical Research
• Collaborate with engineering and platform teams to develop reusable workflows and assets
• Act as liaison for quantum initiatives across disease and functional areas
• Promote scientific rigor, reproducibility, and transparency in computational research

Requirements

• Doctoral degree or equivalent experience in quantum computing, physics, computer science, or related quantitative discipline
• Strong understanding of quantum computing algorithms, simulation, and hybrid quantum classical approaches
• Experience applying advanced computational or machine learning methods to scientific or biomedical problems
• Knowledge of drug discovery domains such as molecular simulation, protein modeling, or pharmacokinetics
• Familiarity with quantum computing tools such as Qiskit, Pennylane, Cirq, or similar platforms
• Experience designing and evaluating proof of concept studies with scientific rigor and reproducibility
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear scientific insights and decision frameworks
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary and external stakeholder groups

Nice to have

• Experience collaborating with academic or industry partners within emerging quantum computing ecosystems
• Familiarity with scaling computational solutions using cloud or high performance computing environments

What the company offers

• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible
• Minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs
• Performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters

About the company

Novartis is committed to reimagining medicine together. The company prioritizes pay equity and strives to build an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams that represent the patients and communities it serves.

• Committed to reimagining medicine together
• Pay equity is a fundamental principle of employment policy
• Dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect
• Focused on building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of patients and communities